1. Figure 3 LDL autoimmunity in atherosclerosis
Figure 3 | LDL autoimmunity in atherosclerosis. Peptide fragments of the apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) protein of LDL are presented on MHC class II molecules to T cells by antigen presenting cells (APCs). ApoB100-reactive T cells become activated and proliferate. These T cells can help B cells that react to various epitopes of LDL particles to class-switch and form germinal centre reactions. Plasma cells that emerge from these centres secrete high-affinity antibodies into the circulation, for example anti-LDL, anti-oxidized LDL (anti-oxLDL), anti-ApoB, and anti-phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) antibodies. ApoB100-reactive T cells are also found in atherosclerotic plaques and can secrete interferon-γ (IFNγ), which activates macrophages and modulates foam cell formation. TCR, T-cell receptor.
Gisterå, A. & Hansson, G. K. (2017) The immunology of atherosclerosis
Nat. Rev. Nephrol. doi: /nrneph