Dimitry A. Chistiakov, Igor A. Sobenin, Alexander N. Orekhov and Yuri V. Bobryshev Pages 1118 - 1123 ( 6 )
Functional heterogeneity of dendritic cells (DCs) observed in atherosclerosis suggest for their complex and multifaced role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease. A delicate balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mechanisms drives atherogenesis, and local microenvironment triggers the actual involvement of DCs in atherosclerosis-associated inflammation. Responding to microenvironment stimuli, DCs contribute to atherogenesis in both ways being involved in supporting proatherogenic vascular inflammation and by suppressing inflammatory responses via induction of self-tolerogenic properties and regulatory T cells (Tregs). The local microenvironment and extrinsic stimuli influence DC phenotype and hence could control the phenotypic switch toward inflammation or tolerance.
Atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, arteries, inflammation, dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells.
, , , Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.