Circulating CD14+ and CD14highCD16− classical monocytes are reduced in patients with signs of plaque neovascularization in the carotid artery

Neovascularized atherosclerotic lesions selectively associate with lower blood levels of CD14+ and CD14highCD16− monocytes independently of systemic inflammatory activity, as indicated by normal hsCRP levels. Whether the reduction of circulating CD14+ and CD14highCD16− monocytes is due to a potential redistribution of these cell types into active lesions remains to be explored.