Lack of nitric oxide synthases increases lipoprotein immune complex deposition in the aorta and elevates plasma sphingolipid levels in lupus

► Lupus mice lacking NOS2 or NOS3 developed lesions in the aortic adventitia. ► The lesions displayed SK1, macrophage infiltration and oxLDL-IC accumulation. ► NOS2 or NOS3 deletion in lupus mice decreased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. ► Plasma levels of ceramide species and pro-inflammatory S1P were increased. ► Restoration of NOS3 function may be a future approach in the treatment of lupus.