Plaque microvascularization and increased endothelial permeability are key players in the
development of atherosclerosis, from the initial stages of plaque formation to the occurrence
of acute cardiovascular events. First, endothelial dysfunction and increased permeability
facilitate the entry of diverse inflammation-triggering molecules and particles such as low-
density lipoproteins into the artery wall from the arterial lumen and vasa vasorum (VV).
Recognition of entering particles by resident phagocytes in the vessel wall triggers a …