Interferon gamma: a master regulator of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by the development of fibrotic plaques in the arterial wall. The disease exhibits a complex aetiology and its progression is influenced by a number of environmental and genetic risk factors. The cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a key regulator of immune function, is highly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and has emerged as a significant factor in atherogenesis. Evidence from both mouse models of atherosclerosis and in vitro cell culture has suggested that the role of IFN-gamma is complex since both pro- and anti-atherogenic actions have been affiliated to it. This review will focus on evaluating the contribution of IFN-gamma to atherosclerosis and, in particular, how it regulates immune responses to the disease.
McLaren
James E
JE
Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK. mclarenje@cf.ac.uk
Ramji
Dipak P
DP
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005487:Foam Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice
D007371:Interferon-gamma