Lymphocytic tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily co-stimulatory molecules in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

The role of lymphocytes in the chronic inflammatory disease atherosclerosis has emerged over the past decade. Co-stimulatory molecules of the heterogeneous tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily play a pivotal role in lymphocyte activation, proliferation and differentiation. Here we describe the immune modulatory properties and mechanisms of four tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily members in atherosclerosis.

RECENT FINDINGS:

CD40/CD40L, OX40L/OX40, CD70/CD27 and CD137/CD137L are present in human atherosclerotic plaques and have shown strong immune modulatory functions in atherosclerosis, resulting in either atherogenic or atheroprotective effects in mouse models of atherosclerosis.

SUMMARY:

Insight into the immune modulatory mechanisms of co-stimulatory interactions in atherosclerosis can contribute to clinical exploitation of these interactions in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

• Authors: Esther Smeets, Svenja Meiler, Esther Lutgens
• Journal: Current opinion in lipidology (Curr Opin Lipidol) Vol. 24 Issue 6 Pg. 518-24 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 1473-6535 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24184937 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor

Topics

• Animals
• Atherosclerosis (etiology, metabolism)
• Humans
• Lymphocytes (metabolism)
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (metabolism)