Interferon-gamma and atherosclerosis: pro- or anti-atherogenic?
Atherosclerosis is considered to be a form of chronic inflammation governed by a complex network of inter- and intra-cellular signaling pathways. The pleiotropic cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a key pro-inflammatory mediator that is expressed at high levels in atherosclerotic lesions. IFN-gamma regulates the function and properties of all the cell types in the vessel wall. The precise role of IFN-gamma in atherogenesis is complex, with both pro- and anti-atherogenic actions being identified. This review will discuss these actions of the cytokine along with recent findings that have emerged from mouse models of atherosclerosis that are deficient in IFN-gamma signaling.
Harvey
Elizabeth J
EJ
Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3US, UK.
Ramji
Dipak P
DP
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism; D018925:Chemokines / Q000276:immunology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D018925:Chemokines; D008074:Lipoproteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma