title: Multiple potential roles for B cells in atherosclerosis.
abstract: The development of atherosclerosis is the major etiological factor causing cardiovascular disease and constitutes a lipid-induced, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease of the large arteries. A long-standing view of the protective role of B cells in atherosclerosis has been challenged by recent studies using B cell depletion in animal models. Whereas complete B cell deficiency increases atherosclerosis, depletion of B2 but not B1 cells reduces atherosclerosis. This has led to a re-evaluation of the multiple potential pathways by which B cells can regulate atherosclerosis, and the apparent opposing roles of B1 and B2 cells. B cells, in addition to having the unique ability to produce antibodies, are now recognized to play a number of important roles in the immune system, including cytokine production and direct regulation of T cell responses. This review summarizes current knowledge on B cell subsets and functions, and how these could distinctly influence atherosclerosis development.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK.
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Sage
authors.forename: Ziad
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mallat
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines
keywords: Atherosclerosis; immunity; lymphocytes