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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Published on: May 6, 2014

Autoimmunity in atherosclerosis: a protective response losing control?

J Nilsson¹, G K Hansson

¹Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.

Journal of Internal Medicine

|April 16, 2008

Summary

Atherosclerosis involves immune responses to oxidized lipoproteins. While initially protective, these autoimmune responses in atherosclerosis ultimately promote disease, suggesting immune modulation as a therapeutic target.

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Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Published on: May 6, 2014

Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Biology
Immunology
Pathology

Background:

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition involving oxidized lipoproteins and cell death within artery walls.
Modified self-antigens in atherosclerotic plaques trigger innate and adaptive immune responses.
Autoimmune responses may initially aid in clearing oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cellular debris.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of immune system components in atherosclerosis development.
To explore the potential of targeting autoimmune responses against plaque antigens for therapeutic intervention.

Main Methods:

Studies on hypercholesterolemic mice with deficiencies in specific immune system components.
Review of existing literature on immune responses in atherosclerosis and autoimmune diseases.

Main Results:

Immune system activation in atherosclerosis appears to be predominantly pro-atherogenic.
Atherosclerosis exhibits characteristics of an autoimmune disease, with immune responses contributing to its progression.
Animal studies using oxidized LDL-based vaccines show promising results for therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

Modulating immune responses against atherosclerotic plaque antigens represents a potential therapeutic avenue.
Translating promising animal vaccine study results into human clinical applications for atherosclerosis presents significant challenges.