Apolipoprotein E derived from CD11c+ cells ameliorates atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is studied in models with dysfunctional lipid homeostasis-predominantly the ApoE(-/-) mouse. The role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for lipid homeostasis is not clear. Using a LacZ reporter mouse, we showed that CD11c(+) cells were enriched in aortae of ApoE(-/-) mice. Systemic long-termdepletion of CD11c(+) cells in ApoE(-/-) mice resulted in significantly increased plaque formation associated with reduced serum ApoE levels. In CD11c(cre+)ApoE(fl/fl) and Albumin(cre)+ApoE(fl/fl )mice, we could show that approximate to 70% of ApoE is liver-derived and approximate to 25% originates from CD11c(+) cells associated with significantly increased atherosclerotic plaque burden in both strains. Exposure to acLDL promoted cholesterol efflux from CD11c(+) cells and cell-specific deletion of ApoE resulted in increased inflammation reflected by increased IL-1 beta serum levels. Our results determined for the first time the level of ApoE originating from CD11c(+) cells and demonstrated that CD11c(+) cells ameliorate atherosclerosis by the secretion of ApoE.

Automated summary

This study investigated the role of CD11c(+) cells in atherosclerosis. The results showed that CD11c(+) cells alleviate atherosclerosis by secreting ApoE, and the level of ApoE derived from CD11c(+) cells is associated with the burden of atherosclerotic plaques.