Lipoprotein interactions with T cells: an update.

The role of plasma lipoproteins in atherogenesis is well recognized but the physiological relevance of their immunoregulatory properties is still questioned. Here Karine Traill and colleagues outline the recent advances that have been made towards unravelling the mechanisms of immunoregulation by lipoproteins in vitro and consider whether any of these mechanisms are operative in vivo. In particular they address the possible detrimental effects of high serum lipoprotein levels on immune function and the question of whether hyperlipidemia (or hypercholesterolemia) should be considered a risk factor for diminished immunity, for example in old age.