Scientists to target immune cells in arteries to prevent heart attacks

London, December 28 (ANI): Scientists from across the world are set to team up to develop a treatment that specifically targets harmful immune cells in the arteries thought to be the cause of many heart attacks.

Experts at the Bristol Heart Institute will work in collaboration with researchers from France, Sweden and the Netherlands to test the effectiveness of combining conventional drugs and new treatments to bring down the immune response in the arteries of patients with heart condition.

Professor Andrew Newby will lead the 750,000-pound study backed by the British Heart Foundation.

"This research could point to new ways to protect fatty deposits from becoming unstable by selectively modifying the harmful immune cells while preserving their helpful activity," the BBC quoted Newby as saying.

"Such a discovery will help pave the way for new treatments to prevent heart attacks, which could save thousands of lives each year," he added.

The study may refer to the research being carried out at Imperial College London. (ANI)