title: Natural killer cells in the innate immunity network of atherosclerosis.
abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes which have recently been proposed to play an immunoregulatory role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. Although several studies have evaluated the frequency and the functions of NK cells both in human and in experimental animal models of atherosclerosis, it is yet not clear whether NK cells might behave as protective or pro-atherogenic effectors. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the role of NK cells in atherosclerosis and discuss the potential interactions that might occur in atherosclerotic lesions between NK cells and antigen presenting cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. A clearer depiction of the innate immune cell network operating in atherosclerosis might pave the way to novel interesting approaches for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy; Cell Therapy Program, University Hospital-A.O.U. Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bonaccorsi
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Pasquale
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Campana
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barberi
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy; Cell Therapy Program, University Hospital-A.O.U. Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cavaliere
authors.affiliation: Unit of Vascular Surgery, Dept. of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Benedetto
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy; Cell Therapy Program, University Hospital-A.O.U. Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy. Electronic address: guido.ferlazzo@unime.it.
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferlazzo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D018448:Models, Immunological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*
keywords: Atherosclerosis; Dendritic cells; Innate immunity; Low density lipoproteins; Macrophages; Natural killer cells