IMMUNE-MECHANISMS IN ATHEROGENESIS

Research in recent years has resulted in an increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the development of inflammatory processes . In atherosclerosis, focal expression of key adhesion molecules has b een detected which may mediate the recruitment of mononuclear cells to the plaque. Local cytokine production could account for further cell migration and proliferation. The presence of substantial numbers of T lymphocytes in the plaque and local and circulating autoantibodies to modified lipoproteins suggest that T and B lymphocyte responses may pl ay important roles in these processes.