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Inflammation and immune system interactions in atherosclerosis

Bart Legein1, Lieve Temmerman, Erik A L Biessen

  • 1Experimental Vascular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|February 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis, a key cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is now understood as a chronic inflammatory condition. Immune cells significantly influence plaque development and rupture, leading to heart attack and stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death.
  • Atherosclerosis, the primary driver of CVD, was previously thought to be passive lipid buildup.
  • Current understanding identifies atherosclerosis as a chronic inflammatory disease involving immune cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest findings on the role of immune cells in atherosclerosis.
  • To highlight the complex interplay of innate and adaptive immunity in disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on immune cell involvement in atherosclerosis.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on immune cell subtypes and their functions in plaque development.

Main Results:

  • Immune cells are central to atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
  • Immune cell activation and interaction dictate plaque stability and rupture risk.
  • Specific immune cell subtypes play distinct roles in promoting or resolving inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease.
  • Targeting specific immune pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for CVD.
  • Understanding immune cell dynamics is crucial for predicting and preventing atherosclerotic events like myocardial infarction and stroke.

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