CD40/CD40L system and atherosclerosis / 国际脑血管病杂志

ABSTRACT

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease.Atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombosis may result in cardio-cerebrovascular events.Inflammatory mediator CD40L widely exists in cells associated with atherosclerosis.They participate in plaque inflammatory response,release proinflammatory cytokines,degrade extracellular matrix,improve procoagulant activity,and promote the progression of atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability.Intervening CD40/CD40L signaling system may become an effective treatment strategy to slow the progress of atherosclerosis and stabilize atherosclerotic plaques.