EMMPRIN and its ligand cyclophilin A regulate MT1-MMP, MMP-9 and M-CSF during foam cell formation

EMMPRIN is upregulated during the differentiation process from CD34+ progenitor cells to foam cells, whereas its ligand, CyPA, is released. The CyPA/EMMPRIN activation pathway may play a relevant role in promoting the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques.