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Updated: May 12, 2026
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Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2019
Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor deficiency attenuates experimental atherosclerosis
Isabel Cerro-Pardo1, Belén Picatoste1, Irene Raposo-Gutiérrez2
1Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez-Díaz- Autónoma University of Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.
Frontiers in Immunology
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) deficiency reduced atherosclerosis in mice. This suggests PIGR blockade may offer therapeutic benefits for vascular diseases like peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) is a transmembrane protein crucial for immunoglobulin transcytosis.
- Elevated plasma PIGR levels are observed in subclinical atherosclerosis, but its precise role is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PIGR in the development of atherosclerosis.
- To assess the potential of PIGR as a therapeutic target for vascular pathologies.
Main Methods:
- PIGR expression was analyzed in human atherosclerotic plaques and serum from patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
- Experimental atherosclerosis was studied in Ldlr-/-/Pigr-/- mice lacking PIGR, fed a western diet.
- Immune cell populations and immunoglobulin levels were quantified using ELISA and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- PIGR levels were elevated in early human atherosclerotic lesions and PAD patients.
- Pigr-deficient mice exhibited increased serum IgA and IgM, with more germinal center B cells.
- Atherosclerosis was significantly reduced in Pigr-deficient mice, characterized by smaller plaque size and fewer foam cells.
Conclusions:
- Global PIGR deficiency confers protection against atherosclerosis development.
- Targeting PIGR may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for managing atherosclerosis and related vascular diseases.
