An international research team led by the Medical University of Vienna and Würzburg University Hospital has uncovered important insights into the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis.

Arterial blockages caused by atherosclerosis remain the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for breakthroughs in prevention and treatment.Reporting Nature cardiovascular researchScientists are now offering promising new avenues for early detection and intervention.

At the heart of their research is the role of macrophages, specialized cells involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Macrophages have long been known to regulate the formation of arterial plaques, which cause narrowing and blockage of arteries that can lead to fatal complications such as heart attacks and strokes. However, the exact mechanism behind this process remains unclear.

In their study, researchers found that a protein known as trigger receptor expressed on bone marrow cells (TREM2) plays a role in regulating macrophage activity.

This study shows that TREM2 plays a pivotal role in the formation of vulnerable plaques, which are notorious for being more likely to rupture and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. TREM2 plays an important role in reducing plaque development by regulating foam cell survival, a hallmark of atherosclerotic plaques, and promoting the removal of damaged cells.

The researchers conducted experiments on mice that are genetically predisposed to atherosclerosis, and the results were promising. Treatment with a specific antibody targeting TREM2 significantly reduced the formation of vulnerable plaques, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for plaque stabilization and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Additionally, their findings establish an association between soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) and disease progression, suggesting its utility as a biomarker for early detection.

“Our results provide an important insight into the complex mechanisms that cause atherosclerosis and pave the way for innovative treatment strategies,” the researchers stressed in their paper. The identification of TREM2 as a therapeutic target not only holds promise in the fight against atherosclerosis but also highlights its potential as a diagnostic marker and reveals a new era in cardiovascular disease management.

As scientists continue to understand the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis, the possibility of targeted therapies tailored to individual patients approaches, offering hope for a future in which heart attacks and strokes are no longer the leading cause of death. It has been.