Researchers at UCLA have developed a new type of engineered immune cell designed to fight the plaque buildup inside artery walls that underlies most heart attacks and strokes. The cells are described as a "triple-threat" because they recognize three distinct harmful cell types within the plaques.
Atherosclerotic plaques are fatty deposits that can narrow or block arteries, and current treatments mainly focus on lowering cholesterol or preventing clots. This approach instead aims to use the immune system to directly attack the plaque tissue itself.
Because the report focuses on the engineering strategy, it does not discuss human trials or a timeline for clinical use. The findings were published through Medical Xpress, and the source provides no comparison to existing therapies or independent expert commentary.