Understanding how the protein CD55 affects atherosclerosis development

The role of complement dysregulation and C3adesArg in atherosclerosis

Coronary heart disease is caused by a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty plaques build up inside artery walls. If the plaque ruptures and causes a blood clot in arteries supplying the heart or brain, a heart attack or stroke occurs. Dr Timothy Hughes and colleagues have been awarded a three year grant to investigate how a set of proteins in the blood which protect against infection affect atherosclerosis development. They have found that mice without a protein called CD55 develop less atherosclerosis. This might be because without CD55 more of a protein which changes the way our bodies use and store fat is produced, so there is less fat in the bloodstream. The team will assess how this protein affects the way cells process fat, and how a lack of CD55 in mice protects against atherosclerosis. This research could reveal new ways to prevent or treat atherosclerosis in people.