Allograft inflammatory factor-1 supports macrophage survival and efferocytosis and limits necrosis in atherosclerotic plaques.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF1) has been characterized as a pro-inflammatory molecule expressed primarily in the monocyte/macrophage (MP) lineage and positively associated with various forms of vascular disease, including atherosclerosis. Studies of AIF1 in atherosclerosis have relied on mouse models in which AIF1 was overexpressed in either myeloid or smooth muscle cells, resulting in increased atherosclerotic plaque burden. How physiologic expression of AIF1 contributes to MP biology in atherogenesis is not known.

Methods

Effects of global AIF1 deficiency on atherosclerosis were assessed by crossing Aif1^-/- and ApoE^-/- mice, and provoking hyperlipidemia with high fat diet feeding. Atherosclerotic plaques were studied en face

SUBMITTER: Egana-Gorrono L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7048374 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature