Atherosclerosis and autoimmunity

Novel risk factors for the progression of atherosclerosis such as C-reactiv e protein (CRP) and adhesion molecules have stimulated much recent interest in the role of inflammation in atherosclerotic disease. There is also evid ence emerging that autoimmunity may have a role in the pathogenesis of athe rosclerosis. in this article we explore the evidence for the role of autoim munity in human atherosclerosis, both in the general population and in the context of the antiphospholipid syndrome. In particular we will focus on se veral autoantigens, review the evidence for their role in the process of at herosclerosis and the nature of the immune responses.