Atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disease are characterized by narrowing of the larger arteries, supplying oxygen rich blood to the body. Narrowing of these arteries usually is caused by fatty deposits: atherosclerotic plaques. In severely narrowed arteries, tiny pieces of plaque can break off and might end up in the heart or the brain, causing a myocardial infarction or stroke, respectively. This might result in death, but especially in those who survive heart failure in case of a myocardial infarction or chronic disability in case of stroke illustrate the large consequences for these patients.

Cardiovascular disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, as indicated by the presence of a variety of immune cells in, or nearby, the atherosclerotic plaque or affected area. In this respect complement mediated inflammation is a very interesting research area and treatment target. Hence, I investigate in my postdoc project the role the complement system and toll-like receptors play in the development of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke, by using 1) various materials from carotid atherosclerotic patient populations and 2) different experimental models.