High density lipoproteins and atherosclerosis: emerging aspects.
High density lipoproteins (HDL) promote the efflux of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for excretion. This ability is responsible for the most relevant anti-atherogenic effect of HDL. The ability of HDL to promote cholesterol efflux results also in the modulation of a series of responses in the immune cells involved in atherosclerosis, including monocyte-macrophages, B and T lymphocytes. Furthermore, during inflammation, the composition of this class of lipoproteins varies to a large extent, thus promoting the formation of dysfunctional HDL. The aim of this review is to discuss the emerging role of HDL in modulating the activity of immune cells and immune-inflammatory mediators during atherogenesis.
Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
Federica
F
Sala
Alberico Luigi
AL
Catapano
Giuseppe Danilo
GD
Norata
Apolipoprotein; High density lipoproteins; Immune response; Sphingosine-1-phosphate