New Atherosclerosis Vaccine

Cholesterol is transported through the blood by little fat drops called LDL particles, also known as "bad" cholesterol. Sometimes, the T-cells in the body's immune system may then attack these LDL particles, causing an inflammation that can lead to atherosclerosis. The fat droplets can accumulate in the vessels and cause plaque to build up on the vessel walls. When the plaque ruptures, it creates a clot that can cause a stroke or heart attack. Researchers in Sweden have developed a vaccine that inhibits the T-cell receptors, therefore reducing the risk of atherosclerosis-causing inflammation. Blocking this immune reaction decreases the severity of the disease by 60 to 70 percent. The vaccine has been successfully tested on animals, and researchers are eagerly awaiting approval to begin clinical trials.
I found this article interesting because we just talked about heart disease in class. This vaccine may possibly be extremely helpful because of how common heart disease is.

Eloura Durkee
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506090935.htm