The role of T and B cells in atherosclerosis: potential clinical implications.

The chronic inflammation process that characterises atherosclerosis involves both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Several lines of evidence have recently highlighted pivotal roles for T and B lymphocytes - cells that belong to the adaptive immune system - in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on the roles of adaptive immune responses in atherosclerosis and present our views on how a better understanding of these immune mechanisms could shape future therapies to slow down or even prevent this disease.