Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory response characterized by the accumulation of
cells of innate and acquired immune systems within the intima of the arterial wall.
Macrophages are the predominant participant in innate immune responses in
atherosclerosis. Protein receptors expressed by macrophages and endothelial cells
recognize components and products of microorganisms and play a vital role in innate
immunity. In particular, the members of the toll-like receptor (TLR) family play a critical role in …