Cellular and molecular mechanisms in transplant arteriosclerosis (Review)

Although significant progress has been made towards the understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenetic pathways of transplant arteriosclerosis, its knowledge is still not comprehensive. Nevertheless, experimental and clinical studies have enabled us to discover some of the complex processes involved in the progression and evolution of transplant arteriosclerosis. Despite the advances in transplantation immunology and atherosclerosis research, transplant arteriosclerosis still remains a major cause of allograft failure. A curative treatment, in order to inhibit or at least modify the development of transplant arteriosclerosis, is urgently needed. This review article highlights some of the more recent aspects of cellular and molecular pathology of transplant arteriosclerosis that may add to our current and future diagnostic and curative interventions.