Current views on the functions of interleukin-17A-producing cells in atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Multiple components of the immune response are involved in the initiation, progression and persistence of atherosclerosis. Interleukin (IL)-17A is produced by a broad variety of leukocytes and plays an important role in host defense. IL-17A is also involved in the pathology of several autoimmune diseases mainly via the regulation of chemokine expression and leukocyte migration to the site of inflammation. There is an increasing body of evidence indicating an association between elevated levels of IL-17A and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, this IL-17A-dependent response occurs in parallel with the Th1-dominant immune response during atherogenesis. To date, the precise role of IL-17A+ cells in atherosclerosis is controversial. Several studies have suggested a pro-atherogenic role of

SUBMITTER: Butcher M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3323667 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature