The Quest for Antiinflammatory and Immunomodulatory Strategies in Heart Failure

Abstract

Intensive research over the last 3 decades has unequivocally demonstrated the relevance of inflammation in heart failure (HF). Despite our current and ever increasing knowledge about inflammation, the clinical success of antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory therapies in HF is still limited. This review outlines the complexity and diversity of inflammation, its reciprocal interaction with HF, and addresses future perspectives, calling for immunomodulatory therapies that are specific for factors that activate the immune system without the risk of nonspecific immune suppression.