title: The role of immune complexes in atherogenesis.
abstract: Atherosclerosis is now recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease and is characterized by features of inflammation at all stages of its development. It also appears to display elements of autoimmunity, and several autoantibodies including those directed against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and heat shock proteins (Hsps) have been identified in atherosclerosis. Immune complexes (ICs) may form between these antigens and autoantibodies and via Fc receptor signaling and complement activation may modulate the inflammation in atherosclerosis. Antibody isotype may direct the role that ICs play in atherogenesis, immunoglobulin G (IgG) being potentially pro-atherogenic and immunoglobulin M (IgM) playing a protective role. Therapeutic options targeting complement activation and those which are potentially Fc-receptor mediated have been investigated in animal models, though targeting Fc receptor signaling is an area that needs further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Daphne Jackson Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7WG, UK.
authors.forename: Dayangku Fatiha Pengiran
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Burut
authors.forename: Yousuf
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Karim
authors.forename: Gordon A A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Ferns
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000502:physiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology; D023421:Models, Animal; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins; D011961:Receptors, Fc