Chemokines in atherosclerosis: an update

A Zernecke, E Shagdarsuren… - … , thrombosis, and vascular …, 2008 - Am Heart Assoc
A Zernecke, E Shagdarsuren, C Weber
Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 2008Am Heart Assoc
The fundamental importance of chemokines for atherogenesis, progression, and
destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques is now widely appreciated, but the degree of
complexity, specificity, and cooperativity harnessed by these signal molecules to govern
atherogenic cell recruitment and homeostasis is still being refined. Since the role of
chemokines in atherosclerotic vascular disease has been reviewed in this journal,
significant progress has been accomplished in defining the regulation of chemokine …
The fundamental importance of chemokines for atherogenesis, progression, and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques is now widely appreciated, but the degree of complexity, specificity, and cooperativity harnessed by these signal molecules to govern atherogenic cell recruitment and homeostasis is still being refined. Since the role of chemokines in atherosclerotic vascular disease has been reviewed in this journal, significant progress has been accomplished in defining the regulation of chemokine expression and function in atherosclerosis. In this update, we will highlight these recent developments, in particular the identification of components regulating the transcriptional machinery of the proatherogenic chemokine CCL5, distinct roles of its receptors CCR1 and CCR5 in plaque formation and immunobalance, and differential site- and stage-specific effects of T cell–activating chemokines and their receptors, eg, CXCL10 and CXCR3. The contribution of the transmembrane chemokines CX3CL1 and CXCL16 with their respective receptors CX3CR1 and CXCR6 in the recruitment of T cell and monocyte subsets and shear-mediated plaque modulation will be discussed. Finally, the role of CXCR2 and CXCR4, their respective ligands CXCL1 and CXCL12, and the noncanonical dual agonist MIF in atheroprogression will be dissected. The considerable leap in insight over recent years leads us to anticipate further advances in comprehending the role of chemokines in atherosclerosis, allowing targeted interventions for its prevention and therapy.
Am Heart Assoc