In Pursuit of an Atherosclerosis Vaccine Chasing the Holy Grail

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) affects > 82 million people in the United States. Lipid-lowering therapy is the major current strategy in managing ACVD and has reduced cardiovascular events by about 30 to 50%, leaving a substantial percentage of patients who continue to suffer ischemic events. Inflammation and immune system activation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of athero-thrombosis. The CANTOS trial (The Canakinumab Anti-Inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study) provided the first clinical evidence demonstrating the efficacy of targeting inflammation in reducing cardiovascular events. Modulation of the immune system is another potentially attractive option for management of ACVD.