Targeting Cell-Specific Molecular Mechanisms of Innate Immunity in Atherosclerosis

Mechanisms of innate immunity contribute to inflammation, one of the major underlying causes of atherogenesis and progression of atherosclerotic vessel disease. How immune cells exactly contribute to atherosclerosis and interact with molecules of cholesterol homeostasis is still a matter of intense research. Recent evidence has proposed a potential role of previously underappreciated cell types in this chronic disease including platelets and dendritic cells (DCs). The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis is studied in models with dysfunctional lipid homeostasis and several druggable molecular targets are derived from these models. Specific therapeutic approaches focussing on these immune mechanisms, however, have not been successfully introduced into everyday clinical practice, yet. This review highlights molecular insights into immune processes related to atherosclerosis and potential future translational approaches targeting these molecular mechanisms.

Automated summary

This article investigates the contribution of innate immune mechanisms to atherosclerosis and their interaction with molecules of cholesterol homeostasis. Recent research has identified potential roles of previously overlooked cell types, such as platelets and dendritic cells, in this chronic disease. However, specific therapeutic approaches targeting these immune mechanisms have not yet been successfully introduced into everyday clinical practice.