Athero-inflammation link crystallizes

Cholesterol-rich arterial plaques have long been known to harbor proinflammatory immune cells such as macrophages, but the order of events leading to full-blown atherosclerosis has been unclear. Now, a study by German and American researchers provides a mechanism for the long-suspected link between inflammation and atherosclerosis. The findings implicate a crystalline form of cholesterol as a trigger for production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1b.¹

The results could open atherosclerosis as a new indication for IL-1b antagonists that are being developed by Xoma Ltd., Swedish Orphan Biovitrum and Novartis AG...