Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
05:51

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Published on: May 6, 2014

Humoral and cellular immune responses in atherosclerosis: spotlight on B- and T-cells

Padmapriya Ponnuswamy1, Emily A Van Vré, Ziad Mallat

  • 1INSERM, U970, Paris-Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.

Vascular Pharmacology
|February 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease pathogenesis remains unclear, despite extensive research. This review details how innate and adaptive immunity, particularly T- and B-cell responses, drive atherosclerosis, the primary cause of cardiovascular events.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Background:

  • Cardiovascular events remain a leading cause of mortality globally.
  • Atherosclerosis, the root of cardiovascular disease, involves complex inflammatory and autoimmune processes.
  • Both innate and adaptive immunity play critical roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intricate roles of innate and adaptive immune responses in atherosclerosis.
  • To highlight the significance of T-cell and B-cell mediated immunity in cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of basic and clinical investigations.
  • Analysis of humoral and cellular immune mechanisms in atherosclerosis.
  • Focus on T-cell and B-cell involvement.

Main Results:

  • Inflammation and autoimmune responses are key drivers of atherosclerosis, alongside lipid dysfunction.
  • Atherosclerosis involves a complex interplay between various immune system components.
  • T-cell and B-cell mediated processes are central to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding immune responses is crucial for elucidating cardiovascular disease mechanisms.
  • Targeting specific immune pathways, especially T- and B-cell responses, may offer novel therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.
  • Further research into immune system involvement is vital for combating cardiovascular mortality.

More Related Videos

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas15:15

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas

Published on: July 1, 2011

Flow Cytometry-Based Quantification and Analysis of Myocardial B-Cells12:46

Flow Cytometry-Based Quantification and Analysis of Myocardial B-Cells

Published on: August 17, 2022

Related Concept Videos

B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity01:20

Special Features of Adaptive Immunity

The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
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,...
Humoral Immune Responses01:36

Humoral Immune Responses

Overview
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...