Phospholipid transfer protein: its impact on lipoprotein homeostasis and atherosclerosis.

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is one of the major modulators of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis development in humans; however, we still do not quite understand the mechanisms. In mouse models, PLTP overexpression induces atherosclerosis, while its deficiency reduces it. Thus, mouse models were used to explore the mechanisms. In this review, I summarize the major progress made in the PLTP research field and emphasize its impact on lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis, as well as its regulation.