The interplay between immune cell metabolism and plaque inflammation in atherosclerosis

Cellular metabolism and immune responses are known to be tightly intertwined, although the details are just beginning to be uncovered.

Our research is focused around one central idea - can we manipulate cellular metabolism so that we can limit and resolve the chronic inflammation characteristic of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques to promote repair?

We will use several complimentary approaches, including genetically modified mice that lack key metabolic regulators, pharmacological inhibition using metabolic inhibitors, as well as dietary supplementation with immunomodulating metabolites, to determine if altering cellular metabolism can change atherosclerosis development.

To explore associations between cellular metabolism and immune responses in humans, we will take advantage of a recent population study with participants whose cardiovascular status has been extensively characterized and the fact that many of us will be subjected to a novel immune challenge, the Covid-19 vaccine.

We will explore how the phenotype, function, and responsiveness of immune cells after a rechallenge with corona virus antigens associates with cellular metabolism and cardiovascular status.

These studies will provide proof-of-principle evidence that could be used to define metabolic targets, develop new or select existing drug candidates for the treatment of plaque inflammation and atherosclerosis.