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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas
Published on: July 1, 2011
Adaptive immunity and atherosclerosis
John Andersson1, Peter Libby, Göran K Hansson
1Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-17176, Sweden. john.andersson@ki.se
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis involves the formation of inflammatory arterial lesions and is one of the most common causes of death globally. It has been evident for more than 20 years that adaptive immunity and T cells in particular regulate the magnitude of the atherogenic pro-inflammatory response. T cells also influence the stability of the atherosclerotic lesion and thus the propensity for thrombus formation and the clinical outcome of disease. This review summarizes our current understanding of T cells in atherogenesis, including which antigens they recognize, the role of T cell costimulation/coinhibition, and their secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, we outline future areas of research and potential clinical intervention strategies.
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The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...

