“Bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), can cause blockages in blood vessels, atherosclerosis, and have a serious impact on mortality. It is stated that approximately 18 million people in the United States die each year from heart problems due to “bad” cholesterol.
Liver cells are equipped with special receptors responsible for keeping LDL at a safe level, but an excess of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type PCSK9 can damage them. As a result, the receptors lose the necessary sensitivity and thus more LDL is released into the blood. PCSK9 levels can be affected by genetics, diet, and many other factors.
Scientists have created a vaccine that affects PCSK9 and is more economical to produce than existing inhibitors of this protein.
“The vaccine is based on a non-infectious viral particle. “It’s just a virus shell, and it turns out it can be used to develop vaccines against a variety of things,” said molecular geneticist Bryce Chakerian of the University of New Mexico, commenting on the invention.
Source: Ferra
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