Dendritic cells in atherosclerosis: Identification and pathophysiological significance

Abstract

The development of atherosclerotic lesions occurs as a result of excessive deposition of lipids in the arterial intima. Atherosclerosis also includes a plurality of immune-inflammatory reactions, involving both innate and adaptive immune system. While pathophysiological importance of macrophages and T-cells in atherogenesis is quite well understood, the presence of dendritic cells in the arteries and atherosclerotic lesions was revealed only 1995 and thus, the information about pathophysiological significance of this cell type in atherogenesis is very limited. In this review, we briefly describe the history of the identification of dendritic cells in the arteries and highlight current views on the role of dendritic cells in the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of atherosclerosis.