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Updated: May 14, 2026
05:51
A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
Published on: May 6, 2014
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
Summary
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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