Antibody recycling via FcRn drives atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability
Atherosclerotic plaques accumulate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) together with antibodies targeting LDL and its apolipoprotein B (apoB) component. Given the association between IgG and plaque vulnerability, we hypothesized that apoB-specific immune complexes actively promote plaque destabilization. Using immunohistochemistry in carotid endarterectomy specimens, we quantified antibody deposition across morphologically defined plaque regions, and measured apoB reactivity and immune complex levels in matched plaque and plasma samples. IgG deposition was strongly associated with thin fibrous caps, reduced collagen content, and higher overall plaque vulnerability. Symptomatic patients exhibited increased apoB-specific IgG and reduced apoB-IgG immune complexes within plaques, indicating enhanced IgG recycling and heightened inflammatory activity. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) was predominantly expressed by CD163+ macrophages, and mediated antibody recycling, LDL uptake, and production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in vitro. Plaque FcRn expression increased with age and correlated with mediators of vulnerability, including collagen-degrading enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Ex vivo treatment of human plaques with a clinically used FcRn-blocking monoclonal antibody reduced IgG recycling and suppressed TNF and MMP-9 production. These findings identify FcRn-dependent antibody recycling as a contributor to inflammatory plaque vulnerability and highlight FcRn as a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.