B Cell Subsets and Atherosclerosis: Updates and Emerging Concepts
) and newly appreciated age-associated B cells (ABCs), a distinct subset that accumulates with aging and potentially exacerbates atherosclerosis. By integrating insights from preclinical models and human studies, we describe the mechanisms through which B cell subsets influence ASCVD, including antigen presentation and immune checkpoint-mediated communication, secretion of cytokines and chemokines, and we highlight that humoral immunity in atherosclerosis reflects a context-dependent interplay between antibody effector properties and antigenic targets rather than antibody class alone. Finally, we explore how the advances in our understanding of B cells may guide the development of more targeted immunomodulatory therapies that enhance atheroprotective B cell functions while limiting atherogenic responses.
Authors
- Amanda C. Foks (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9747-3458)
- Sophieke Lems (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4119-9565)
- Coleen A. McNamara (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0049-9986)
- Megan Grace Mazzei (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3614-6745)
Institutions
- Carter Center (US)
- Centre for Human Drug Research (NL)
- University of Virginia (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Immunological Reviews
- Published
- 2026-04-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/imr.70124
- Primary Topic
- Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Fondation Leducq
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
- National Institutes of Health
- HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council