Work

Endothelial cells modulate immune cell responses during atherosclerosis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Endothelial cells (ECs), which form the monolayer lining the vasculature, serve as critical gatekeepers of vascular homeostasis. They actively coordinate immune cell recruitment, adhesion, migration, and activation. Through tightly controlled expression and secretion of chemokines, cytokines, adhesion molecules, and immunomodulatory proteins, ECs locally orchestrate immune responses. In atherosclerosis, ECs contribute to plaque formation, plaque instability, and local inflammation by facilitating immune cell activation and transmigration into the plaque. However, ECs are highly heterogeneous, with their phenotype and function influenced by vascular localization and disease stage. EC subpopulations are transcriptionally distinct and adopt to either proinflammatory or angiogenic phenotypes and differentially participate in immune modulation. This review discusses recent insights into the immunomodulatory functions of ECs in atherosclerosis and underscores the importance of EC heterogeneity in understanding endothelial-immune cell interactions.

Source: Trends in Immunology

DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2026.03.001

Authors: Sanne van Kesteren, Lisa Smeehuijzen, Robert Stevenson, Jeffrey Kroon

Institutions: Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $7,030