Hsp60 in Atherosclerosis: Past, Present and Future

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of the arteries that manifests itself with calcified plaque formation within endothelial cells and the smooth muscle cell layer of vessels. T cells that recognize endogenous Hsp60 on endothelial cells initiate the disease. Here, we first describe the initial experiments that led to the discovery of Hsp60 as an autoantigenic driver of atherosclerosis. Then, we address numerous epidemiological and experimental studies performed by our lab and others that have firmly established Hsp60 as an autoantigen. In addition, we describe the pathogenic mechanisms mediated by Hsp60 and list known inducers of ectopic Hsp60 expression. Finally, we discuss the potential of Hsp60-based vaccination against atherosclerosis.