NOS1-mediated regulation of macrophage IL-1β and CD40: mechanisms and therapeutic implications in atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial vessel wall and remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathogenesis of the disease is complex, involving endothelial dysfunction and a persistent inflammatory response driven by immune cells, particularly macrophages [1]. Macrophage plays a dual role in the disease pathogenesis, by initially clearing lipids to form foam cells, but subsequently contributing to the instability of the plaque by release of proinflammatory mediators [2].