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Immune-based therapies in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: past, present and future

Nature Reviews Immunology volume 21, pages 669–679 (2021)Cite this article

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Abstract

Cardiometabolic disorders were originally thought to be driven primarily by changes in lipid metabolism that cause the accumulation of lipids in organs, thereby impairing their function. Thus, in the setting of cardiovascular disease, statins — a class of lipid-lowering drugs — have remained the frontline therapy. In the past 20 years, seminal discoveries have revealed a central role of both the innate and adaptive immune system in driving cardiometabolic disorders. As such, it is now appreciated that immune-based interventions may have an important role in reducing death and disability from cardiometabolic disorders. However, to date, there have been a limited number of clinical trials exploring this interventional strategy. Nonetheless, elegant preclinical research suggests that immune-targeted therapies can have a major impact in treating cardiometabolic disease. Here, we discuss the history and recent advancements in the use of immunotherapies to treat cardiometabolic disorders.

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Fig. 1: Immune cell response and potential interventions following a primary myocardial infarction.
Fig. 2: Cardiometabolic risk factors that stimulate the haematopoietic system and potential therapeutic interventions.

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Acknowledgements

M.A.F. is supported by a Senior Principal Research Fellowship of the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (APP1116936) and an NHMRC Investigator grant (APP1194141). A.J.M. is supported by a CSL Centenary Award and an NHMRC Investigator grant (APP1194329).

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  1. Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Andrew J. Murphy

  2. Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    Mark A. Febbraio

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The authors contributed equally to the writing and revision of the article. A.J.M. prepared the draft figures that were used as a guide for the final images.

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Murphy, A.J., Febbraio, M.A. Immune-based therapies in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: past, present and future. Nat Rev Immunol 21, 669–679 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-021-00580-5

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