Immune activation resulting from NKG2D/ligand interaction promotes atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The interplay between the immune system and abnormal metabolic conditions sustains and propagates a vicious feedback cycle of chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction that is critical for atherosclerotic progression. It is well established that abnormal metabolic conditions, such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, cause various cellular stress responses that induce tissue inflammation and immune cell activation, which in turn exacerbate the metabolic dysfunction. However, molecular events linking these processes are not well understood.

Methods and results

Tissues and organs of humans and mice with hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia were examined for expression of ligands for NKG2D, a potent immune-activating receptor expressed by several types of immune cells

SUBMITTER: Xia M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3289255 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature