Novel Bristol therapeutic to target atheroschlerosis
Press release issued:
Scientists at the University of Bristol have uncovered a new disease driving mechanism which they are aiming to target to help treat the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
The project to develop the new therapeutic, known as IMSET, is being led by Jason Johnson, Professor of Cardiovascular Pathology within Bristol Medical School. Following successful initial testing, Professor Johnson and his team have been awarded substantial funding through the beLAB1407 BRIDGE partnership to continue developing the new therapeutic.
Professor Johnson has been studying the condition known as Atherosclerosis, where the build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerotic plaques) in arteries can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease. Investigating how immune cells in the blood known as monocytes/macrophages contribute to the formation of these fatty plaques within arteries, the researchers have discovered that these cells can exist in different forms and there are particular macrophages which drive the development of the plaques.
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