Mitigating Vascular Inflammation by Mimicking AIBP Mechanisms: A New Therapeutic End for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, characterized by the accumulation of lipoproteins and lipids within the vascular wall, underlies a heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Endothelial inflammation is the primary component driving atherosclerosis, promoting leukocyte adhesion molecule expression (e.g., E-selectin), inducing chemokine secretion, reducing the production of nitric oxide (NO), and enhancing the thrombogenic potential. While current therapies, such as statins, colchicine, anti-IL1β, and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, target systemic inflammation, none of them addresses endothelial cell (EC) inflammation, a critical contributor to disease progression. Targeting endothelial inflammation is clinically significant because it can mitigate the root cause of atherosclerosis, potentially preventing disease progression, while reducing the side effects associated with broader anti-inflammatory treatments. Recent studies highlight the potential of the APOA1 binding protein (AIBP) to reduce systemic inflammation in mice. Furthermore, its mechanism of action also guides the design of a potential targeted therapy against a particular inflammatory signaling pathway. This review discusses the unique advantages of repressing vascular inflammation or enhancing vascular quiescence and the associated benefits of reducing thrombosis. This approach offers a promising avenue for more effective and targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.