Abstract

The development of vaccines against PCSK9: A promising approach to the treatment of atherosclerosis

Author(s): Alexander V. Blagov, Vasily N. Sukhorukov, Ilya I. Eremin, Irina I. Nadelyaeva, Nikita A. Gutyrchik, Alexander N. Orekhov

Despite the success of statins, which have proven to be the main line of therapy for atherosclerosis, there is still a need to develop new types of drugs, because it is associated with the risk of severe side effects from taking statins in some groups of patients, as well as the requirement for even greater reduction in total cholesterol levels. One of the promising therapeutic targets is the molecule of the enzyme Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which plays an important role in lipid metabolism. One of the most tested groups of drugs aimed at PCSK9 is monoclonal antibodies, which nevertheless have a few limitations in their use. This review will look at a newer group of therapeutics, the PCSK9 vaccines. In addition to assessing the available studies on the efficacy and safety of PCSK9 vaccines, the prospects for the development of this therapeutic area will be analyzed, as well as an assessment of the multiple roles of PCSK9 in the development of atherosclerosis and the action mechanism of these vaccines.