Immune responses regulating the response to vascular injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Immune modulation of neointimal formation after vascular injury has been investigated for several decades but the complexities involved continue to obscure a clearer understanding of the process. The rapidly changing field of immunology makes this knowledge imperative. RECENT FINDINGS: The review discusses immune factors involved in the response to vascular injury. Although innate immune responses play a predominantly detrimental role, the adaptive immune response is more complex. Mechanisms of T-cell activation, recruitment, as well as possible regulation are highlighted. SUMMARY: Progress in understanding the role of the immune system in the response to arterial injury has been impressive. However, recent findings underscore the need to unravel the intricacies involved such as the kinetics and specific pathways of activation, specificity of immune cell involvement, and identification of targets for therapy. This is relevant in light of the increasing reports of immune factors involved in vascular disease and intervention in the clinical setting.