Localization of T lymphocytes and macrophages in fibrous and complicated human atherosclerotic plaques

GK Hansson, L Jonasson, B Lojsthed, S Stemme… - Atherosclerosis, 1988 - Elsevier
The cellular composition of aortic atherosclerotic plaques was analyzed by
immunocytochemistry using cell type-specific monoclonal antibodies. T lymphocytes and
monocytes/macrophages were detected both in early, fibrous plaques, and in more
advanced, complicated ones. Many smooth muscle cells in these plaques expressed the
class II MHC antigen, HLA-DR. Since this antigen is inducible by T cell products, our findings
suggest that T cell-smooth muscle interactions occur during atherogenesis.