Trained immunity: A link between risk factors and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases are significant contributors to human mortality, closely associated with inflammation. With the changing living conditions and the extension of human lifespan, greater attention has been directed towards understanding the impact of early, long-term events on the development of cardiovascular events. Lifestyle factors such as stress, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, even if the risk factors are addressed later, their influence may persist. Recently, the concept of trained innate immunity (TRIM), defined as sustained alterations in the function of innate immunocyte that promote a more robust response to downstream stimuli, has been proposed to be involved in cardiovascular diseases. It is hypothesized that TRIM may serve as a mediator bridging the impacts of aforementioned risk factors. This review aims to elucidate the role of TRIM in cardiovascular diseases and highlight its significance in uncovering new mechanisms and therapeutic targets. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Drugs and Drug Targets in Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.20/issuetoc.