Immunogenic oxidized low-density lipoprotein/beta2-glycoprotein I complexes in the diagnostic management of atherosclerosis

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2009 Aug;37(1):12-9. doi: 10.1007/s12016-008-8096-8.

Abstract

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) promotes atherosclerosis through a complex interaction of inflammatory and immunologic factors that lead to macrophage lipid uptake and foam cell formation. OxLDL interacts with beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) forming oxLDL/beta2GPI complexes. These complexes may be formed in the arterial intima during atherogenesis and released into the circulation. Autoantibodies against oxLDL/beta2GPI complexes have been demonstrated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome, and shown to be significantly associated with arterial thrombosis. The observation that monoclonal autoantibodies against oxLDL/beta2GPI complexes significantly increased the oxLDL uptake by macrophages strongly suggests that such IgG autoantibodies are pro-atherogenic. In this article, we review the recent progress in our understanding of LDL oxidation, oxLDL/beta2GPI complex formation, and immune regulation of atherogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Atherosclerosis* / immunology
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Foam Cells
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, LDL* / blood
  • Lipoproteins, LDL* / immunology
  • Lipoproteins, LDL* / metabolism
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I / blood
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I / immunology*
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein