Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
05:51
A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
Published on: May 6, 2014
Inflammation, autoimmunity, and atherosclerosis
1Research and Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Route 206 and Province Line Road, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA. qihong.zhao@bms.com
Discovery Medicine
|September 24, 2009
Summary
Atherosclerosis, traditionally linked to high cholesterol, is increasingly recognized as an inflammatory and immune-driven disease. New research explores novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting these inflammatory pathways.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis
Background:
- Atherosclerosis has historically been associated with dyslipidemia, a known risk factor.
- Lipid-lowering statin therapies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical and preclinical evidence supporting atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disease.
- To present evidence for atherosclerosis as an autoimmune disease.
- To discuss novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities and challenges.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical research.
- Analysis of clinical studies.
- Examination of immunological and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence indicates inflammation and immune responses are integral to atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- Atherosclerosis exhibits characteristics of an autoimmune disease.
Conclusions:
- Atherosclerosis is fundamentally an inflammatory and immune-mediated condition.
- Translating this understanding into new diagnostics and therapies presents opportunities and challenges.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...