Leukocyte cathepsin C deficiency attenuates atherosclerotic lesion progression by selective tuning of innate and adaptive immune responses.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The protein degrading activity of cathepsin C (CatC), combined with its role in leukocyte granule activation, suggests a contribution of this cystein protease in atherosclerosis. However, no experimental data are available to validate this concept.

Approach and results

CatC gene and protein expression were increased in ruptured versus advanced stable human carotid artery lesions. To assess causal involvement of CatC in plaque progression and stability, we generated LDLr(-/-)//CatC(-/-) chimeras by bone marrow transplantation. CatC(-/-) chimeras presented attenuated plaque burden in carotids, descending aorta, aortic arch and root, at both the early and advanced plaque stage. CatC was abundantly expressed by plaque macrophages and foam cells. CatC expression and act

SUBMITTER: Herias V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4270842 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature