Cytokines, immuno-inflammatory response and atherosclerosis.
The importance of the immuno-inflammatory processes involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been reconsidered since the various cellular components of the atherosclerotic plaque were more precisely characterized. Macrophages and T lymphocytes, as well as endothelial and smooth muscle cells are involved in the formation of the fibrolipidic lesion. This is suggestive of a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, with oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) as possible antigenic stimulus. Cytokines, which are mediators of the immuno-inflammatory response, are locally expressed in the atherosclerotic plaque; they coordinate cell interactions and modulate the functions of vascular cells.
Tedgui
A
A
INSERM U141, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France.
Bernard
C
C
D000917:Antibody Formation; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D016207:Cytokines; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL