Atherosclerosis and its complications remain the primary cause of death in the industrialized world and emerging economies worldwide. Dyslipidemia constitutes a significant risk factor for the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions but may also lead to systemic disturbances – particularly metabolic dysfunction – that also influence cellular metabolism and function.

Atherosclerotic lesions formation is initiated after retention of cholesterol-rich lipoproteins within the arterial wall at sites characterized by low shear stress. Modification of retained lipoproteins and activation of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells trigger an inflammatory response and provoke a series of cellular events involving complex interactions between vascular cells, innate immune cells, and cells involved in adaptive immunity to atherosclerosis-related antigens. Recently, a remarkable heterogeneity of the immune cell compartment in atherosclerotic lesions has been found. Depending on the balance between pro-inflammatory responses and resolution promoting pathways, lesion development is either delayed or accelerated towards the formation of advanced and complex plaques characterized by chronic unresolved inflammation, extensive matrix remodeling and formation of large thrombogenic necrotic cores resulting from the accumulation of dying cells. Defective repair and weakening of the protective fibrous cap ultimately lead to plaque disruption, which triggers acute thrombosis and vascular occlusion. Because of these complexities, systems approaches are needed to untangle the underlying disease mechanisms of chronic inflammation and atherogenesis.

This meeting aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of current research on atherosclerosis with a focus on the latest and most exciting developments in the immuno-metabolic mechanisms that govern disease initiation and progression. There is little doubt that the next most exciting therapy to combat cardiovascular disease will be based on targeting biological pathways that will have been discussed during this conference.

Key Sessions

Seven sessions are planned and will highlight the following major research areas:

• Cellular vessel wall and plaque diversity
• Cellular metabolism, cell death and immunity
• Transcriptional regulation in vascular cells
• Innate immunity and macrophage biology
• Adaptive immune mechanisms and autoimmunity
• Immunometabolism and leukocytes
• Lifestyle factors and vascular inflammation
• Multiomics and systems analyses
• Human translational studies, drug development and clinical trials

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