Research project
Therapeutic intervention to enhance atherosclerotic plaque stability-projects
For more information regarding ongoing research projects, please contact Dr. Ilze Bot.
- Contact
- Ilze Bot
To obtain new therapeutic targets aimed at stabilizing the plaque we focus on the mast cell, as this immune cell was found to be the only cell type in the plaque to predict the incidence of secondary cardiovascular events. We aim to gain more insight in the mast cell activation mechanism within the atherosclerotic plaque, and in the mast cell mediators responsible for plaque destabilization. Furthermore, inhibition of proteases, which are secreted by a number of immune cells, is explored as potential therapeutic strategy to limit plaque destabilization.