The functional role of dendritic cells in atherogenesis (Review)

Abstract

Abstract. accumulating evidence suggests that dendritic cells (dcs) play a crucial role in the generation and progression of atherosclerosis (ATS), a lipid-related immuno-inflammatory disease. dcs have the ability to process and present antigens (mainly oxidized low-density lipoproteins, heat shock proteins and fragments of necrotic or apoptotic cells) to naïve T cells, and the activation of T cells is a key step for the progression of atherosclerotic disease. The existence of some distinct dc subtypes has now become evident. The main categories of dc subsets are the 'conventional or myeloid' and the 'plasmacytoid', which differ in toll-like receptor type and site of expression, pathogens and antigens recognized, and effector cytokines and functions. Studies on the potential impact of dcs in the pathogenesis of aTS may lead to novel therapies to regulate the immunoreactions occurring in atherogenesis. in particular, diltiazem, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor agonists and statins have been shown to protect endothelial cell function by inhibiting dcs, a mechanism that may play a significant role in the prevention of ATS.

Roquefort Cheese Proteins Inhibit Chlamydia pneumoniae Propagation and LPS‐Induced Leukocyte Migration

“…A possible role of these cells in the development of atherosclerosis has been of a particular interest. For example, it has been shown that statins can exert their ability to inhibit atherosclerosis by affecting the dendritic cell subpopulations [16]. In our study Roquefort cheese feeding decreased the recruitment of “myeloid” dendritic cells, while some increase in recruitment was observed for plasmacytoid dendritic cells.…”

“…Depending on CD8 expression two major DC populations are traditionally referred to as myeloid (CD11c + CD8 − ) and plasmocytoid (CD11c + CD86 + ) dendritic cells [16]. As shown in Figure 4, LPS stimulation in the absence of Roquefort feeding results in a pronounced increase in myeloid dendritic cells expressing CD86.…”