Immune modulation therapy in heart failure.

Abstract

Several lines of evidence suggest that inflammation plays a pathogenic role in the development and progression of congestive heart failure, influencing heart contractility and hypertrophy, promoting apoptosis, and contributing to the myocardial remodeling process. As the prevalence of heart failure continues to increase, novel therapeutic strategies are employed to decrease the burden of this disease. Although multiple studies have suggested a potential for immunomodulatory therapy in heart failure patients, the precise role of this targeted approach still remains to be determined. Further research is needed to identify the key factors in the immunopathogenesis of heart failure, identify the patients who are most likely to respond, and develop management strategies that result in consistent benefit leading to decreased morbidity and mortality in the heart failure patient population.