The activation of endothelial cells at atherosclerotic lesion–prone sites in the arterial tree
results in the up-regulation of cell adhesion molecules and chemokines, which mediate the
recruitment of circulating monocytes. Accumulation of monocytes and monocyte-derived
phagocytes in the wall of large arteries leads to chronic inflammation and the development
and progression of atherosclerosis. This review discusses the nature of these molecules and
the mechanisms involved in the early steps of monocyte recruitment into atherosclerotic …