Chemokine regulation of atherosclerosis

Oxidative stress and inflammation are accepted as major factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, but how they interact to produce a plaque has not been delineated clearly. Recent data suggest that oxidized lipids may act in part by regulating production of chemokines and chemokine receptors, which in turn, may direct monocytes and other blood leukocytes to the vessel wall, where they may interact with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. The receptors may act at the level of recruitment, retention, and egress, not only through classic, chemotactic mechanisms but also through direct, intercellular adhesion. The results suggest a coordinated mechanism for inflammatory cell accumulation in plaque and identify novel targets, such as CCR2 and CX3CR1, for potential drug development in coronary artery disease.