A B Cell Depleting Agent for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

The present invention relates to the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis, in particular to a B cell depleting agent for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A method for treating myocardial infarction in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of administering a sufficient quantity of a B cell depleting agent to said subject, said B cell depleting agent depletes or destroys B cells or interferes with B cell functions in said subject and increases fractional shortening. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said B cell depleting agent is or includes an anti-CD20 antibody. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said depleting agent is a fusion protien. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said deplating agent is an antibody conjugated to a cytotoxic agent to said B cell. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said depleting agent is a full length anti-CD20 antibody.