Where the Action Is-Leukocyte Recruitment in Atherosclerosis.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide and leukocyte recruitment is a key element of this phenomenon, thus allowing immune cells to enter the arterial wall. There, in concert with accumulating lipids, the invading leukocytes trigger a plethora of inflammatory responses which promote the influx of additional leukocytes and lead to the continued growth of atherosclerotic plaques. The recruitment process follows a precise scheme of tethering, rolling, firm arrest, crawling and transmigration and involves multiple cellular and subcellular players. This review aims to provide a comprehensive up-to-date insight into the process of leukocyte recruitment relevant to atherosclerosis, each from the perspective of endothelial cells, monocytes and macrophages, neutrophils, T lymphocytes and platelets. In addition, therapeutic options targeting leukocyte recruitment into atherosclerotic lesions-or potentially arising from the growing body of insights into its precise mechanisms-are highlighted.

• Authors: Carina Mauersberger, Julia Hinterdobler, Heribert Schunkert, Thorsten Kessler, Hendrik B Sager
• Journal: Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine (Front Cardiovasc Med) Vol. 8 Pg. 813984 ( 2021) ISSN: 2297-055X [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 35087886 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2022 Mauersberger, Hinterdobler, Schunkert, Kessler and Sager.