Blasi C - Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Endothelial dysfunction plays a fundamental role. The first antigen is related to the increased leakage and oxidation of LDL; the second to cellular reaction to stress. Immune mechanisms might be responsible for the passage from stable plaque to unstable and rupture-prone plaque. Finally, prospects of treatment and prevention are linked to the induction of tolerance to responsible antigens, activation of immune regulatory response and the use of immunomodulatory drugs.
