OxLDL-IgG immune complexes induce expression and secretion of proatherogenic cytokines by cultured human mast cells

Mast cells in atherosclerotic lesions which also contain oxLDL-IgG ICs may become activated by the ICs and secrete many pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our results suggest that intimal mast cells act as a cellular link between oxLDL-IgG ICs and the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis.