Impact of B-Cell-Targeted Therapies on Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven chronic inflammatory disease that is modulated by many immune cell subsets, including B cells. Therefore, targeting the inflammatory component of cardiovascular disease represents a promising therapeutic strategy. In the past years, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of autoimmunity and cancer. Many of these clinically used strategies target B cells. Given the multifaceted role of B cells in atherogenesis, it is conceivable that B-cell-directed therapies can modulate disease development. Here, we review clinically available B-cell-targeted therapies and the possible benefits or detrimental effects on cardiovascular disease.