Induction of Oral Tolerance to Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Ameliorates Atherosclerosis

Abstract

OxLDL-specific T cells, present in LDL receptor-/- mice and important contributors in the immune response leading to atherosclerotic plaque, can be counteracted by oxLDL-specific CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells activated via oral tolerance induction to oxLDL. We conclude that the induction of oral tolerance to oxLDL may be a promising strategy to modulate the immune response during atherogenesis and a new way to treat atherosclerosis.