Increased levels of the homeostatic chemokine CXCL13 in human atherosclerosis - Potential role in plaque stabilization

▸ Patients with unstable carotid atherosclerosis had increased plasma levels of CXCL13. ▸ CXCL13 showed increased expression within atherosclerotic carotid plaques. ▸ High CXCL13 expression was associated with a stable plaque phenotype. ▸ Activation of TLRs and platelets promote monocytic expression of CXCL13. ▸ CXCL13 showed anti-apoptotic effects in monocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells.