Importance of the field: In the USA only 35% of patients with hypertension achieve adequate blood pressure control. Non-compliance is one of the main barriers to treatment. Vaccine against hypertension is an innovative treatment, injected every 4 - 6 months, to combat non-compliance.
Areas covered in this review: Pathogenesis of hypertension and progress towards developing a hypertension vaccine, including the virus-like-particle-based approach, new adjuvant molecules and the potential toxicity of hypertension vaccine.
What the reader will gain: The pathogenesis of hypertension is multifactorial. The most common cause is disruption of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and the first vaccine study was carried out against renin. While the vaccine reduced blood pressure in animal models, it also caused autoimmune disease. In the last decade, vaccines against angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensin II-type 1 receptors have demonstrated acceptable safety profiles in animal and human studies.
Take home message: Reduction in blood pressure can be achieved by inducing immunity against targets in the RAAS. The target antigen and selection of adjuvant are crucial factors determining effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. CYT006-AngQb (angiotensin II vaccine) reduced blood pressure in humans but the results were not reproducible with more frequent dosing. Vaccines for hypertension are still in the early phase. We hope for an effective vaccine for hypertension in the years to come.