Inflammation, immune cells, cytokines — role in atherogenesis

Abstract

The review deals with issues related to the involvement of immune reactions in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Modern concepts of atherogenesis, immune inflammation in atherosclerosis, the role of monocyte-macrophages, lymphocytes, smooth muscle cells in pathology are discussed.Much attention is paid to such modulators as cytokines. On the basis of clarifying the relationship of atherosclerosis and inflammation authors believe that inflammation develops secondarily as a response to the impaired metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins. In addition, we have discussed some prospects of drug immunological intervention in atherogenesis processes.