Cytokine network and T cell immunity in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall where both innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to disease initiation and progression. Recent studies established that subtypes of T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), actively involved in the maintenance of immunological tolerance, inhibit the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Here, we review the current knowledge on the Treg response and the major cytokines involved in its modulation in the context of atherosclerosis.