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Inflammation

Inflammation

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

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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...

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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

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T Cell Types and Functions

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Updated: May 20, 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

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in atherosclerosis.

Yvonne Döring¹, Alma Zernecke

¹Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich, Germany.

Frontiers in Physiology

|July 4, 2012

Summary

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) drive atherosclerosis by producing type I interferons (IFNs). These immune cells promote autoimmune responses and lesion development, contributing to cardiovascular disease progression.

Keywords:

atherosclerosis plasmacytoid dendritic cells type I IFN

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Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

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Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas

Published on: July 1, 2011

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cardiovascular Research
Autoimmunity

Background:

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vessel wall disease and a primary cause of cardiovascular disease.
Innate and adaptive immunity are crucial in initiating and maintaining atherosclerosis.
Autoimmune responses are increasingly recognized for their significant role in atherosclerotic disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

To review emerging evidence on the contribution of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to atherosclerosis.
To explore the mechanisms by which pDCs and their derived type I interferons (IFNs) influence atherosclerotic lesion development and progression.

Main Methods:

Review of current scientific literature and research findings.
Analysis of the role of pDCs in immune responses relevant to atherosclerosis.
Examination of pathways involving type I IFNs and autoimmune complexes in disease initiation and maintenance.

Main Results:

pDCs produce type I IFNs in response to autoimmune complexes (self-DNA and antimicrobial peptides), promoting early atherosclerotic lesion formation.
pDCs and type I IFNs can drive the maturation of other immune cells like conventional DCs and macrophages.
pDC-mediated mechanisms contribute to autoreactive B cell development and antibody production, mirroring pathways in other autoimmune diseases.

Conclusions:

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a significant role in both the onset and progression of atherosclerosis.
Type I interferons (IFNs) produced by pDCs are key mediators in atherosclerotic plaque development.
Understanding pDC involvement offers potential new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting cardiovascular disease.