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Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
IL-33 reduces the development of atherosclerosis
Ashley M Miller1, Damo Xu, Darren L Asquith
1Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, Scotland, UK.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|February 13, 2008
Summary
Interleukin-33 (IL-33) significantly reduces atherosclerosis development in ApoE(-/-) mice. This protective effect involves inducing IL-5 and antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), suggesting a novel therapeutic pathway for vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease.
- Myocardial infarction and stroke are common complications.
- The role of IL-33 in atherosclerosis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of IL-33 on atherosclerosis development.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying IL-33's action in atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Atherosclerosis was induced in ApoE(-/-) mice on a high-fat diet.
- Mice were treated with IL-33 or a soluble ST2 decoy receptor.
- Cytokine levels, antibody production, and plaque size were measured.
Main Results:
- IL-33 treatment significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque development.
- IL-33 induced a shift from Th1 to Th2 immune responses.
- IL-33 increased IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and anti-ox-LDL antibodies.
- Neutralization of IL-33 exacerbated atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- IL-33 demonstrates a protective role in atherosclerosis.
- IL-33 mediates its effects partly through IL-5 and anti-ox-LDL antibodies.
- IL-33 represents a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
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