Publication

Arterial inflammation and atherosclerosis

Journal Paper/Review - May 1, 2002

Units
PubMed

Citation
Ludewig B, Zinkernagel R, Hengartner H. Arterial inflammation and atherosclerosis. Trends in cardiovascular medicine 2002; 12:154-9.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Trends in cardiovascular medicine 2002; 12
Publication Date
May 1, 2002
Issn Print
1050-1738
Pages
154-9
Brief description/objective

Arterial inflammation is a significant component of atherosclerotic disease and it has been suggested that specific immune responses directed against autoantigens or pathogen-derived antigens presented in the vascular wall could initiate and/or maintain atherosclerotic processes. Atherogenic cofactors such as altered cholesterol metabolism may not only impact locally on inflammatory responses in atherosclerotic lesions, but may also alter general immune-responsiveness. The evidence to date suggests that the mutual chronic perpetuation of immune mediated vascular inflammation and cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis is a key step in atherogenesis.