Atherosclerosis: Beyond the lipid storage hypothesis. The role of autoimmunity. (18th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cinoku, Ilir I.; Mavragani, Clio P.; Moutsopoulos, Haralampos M.
• Is Part Of: European journal of clinical investigation. Volume 50:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-01-18
• Subjects: atherosclerosis -- autoimmune disease -- autoimmune response -- oxidized form of low‐density lipoprotein; Pathology -- Periodicals; Medical research -- Periodicals; 616.075
• DOI: 10.1111/eci.13195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-2972

Abstract

Abstract: Atherosclerosis has long been considered as a lipid storage disease. Recent data suggest that autoimmune mechanisms seem to be involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. The presence of activated endothelial vascular cells, neutrophils, macrophages, T and to a lesser extent B cells in atherosclerotic plaques, together with the proinflammatory cytokine burden suggest mobilization of both innate and adaptive immune pathways in atherosclerosis pathobiology. The development of antibodies to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), the experimental induction of atherosclerosis either via the transfer of T cells or immunization with autoantigens such as β2 glycoprotein Ι (β2‐GPI) and heat shock proteins (HSP) further support the autoimmune nature of atherosclerosis. However, classical immunosuppressive and immune‐modulatory drugs, successfully used in the therapy of autoimmune rheumatic diseases have shown limited benefits so far in the treatment of atherosclerosis.