Immunologic control of vascular cell growth and differentiation

Several recent studies demonstrate that T lymphocytes and monocytes enter the vessel wall during pathologic conditions and accumulate both in atherosclerotic and arteritic lesions. This brief review summarizes our phenotypic analysis of such T lymphocytes. Effects of T lymphocytes and their secretory products (lymphokines) on vascular cells are discussed on the basis of both cell culture studies and animal experiments. Finally, the role of complement activation for recruitment of blood-borne cells is evaluated.