Examines recent clinical surprises around blocking inflammatory signaling and traces why genetics and past trials made IL-6 a major cardiovascular target.
Key Takeaways
- Mendelian randomization linked lower IL-6 signaling to reduced coronary heart disease risk in large cohorts
- CANTOS trial lowered inflammation independently of cholesterol and reduced heart attack rates in high‑CRP patients
- Recent ZEUS trial failed to deliver expected cardiovascular benefit despite effective inflammation reduction