In a previous study, we have demonstrated a pathophysiologic relevance for the heterophilic interaction of CCL5 and CXCL4 in the progression of atherosclerosis.
Chemokine CCL5 and C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) levels have been suggested to mediate arteriosclerosis and glucose intolerance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
However, evidence is now emerging supporting a role for CCR5 and its ligands CCL3 (MIP-1α), CCL4 (MIP-1β) and CCL5 (RANTES) in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.
Circulating PMPs may serve as a finely tuned transcellular delivery system for RANTES, triggering monocyte arrest to inflamed and atherosclerotic endothelium, introducing a novel mechanism for platelet-dependent monocyte recruitment in inflammation and atherosclerosis.
In DM2 patients with ESRD, ACM due to cardiac events is associated with RANTES gene variants that are known to alter the expression of this chemokine important in atherosclerosis.
In view of its in vitro biologic activity and in vivo expression pattern, RANTES may be a pivotal mediator of the cellular infiltrate seen in graft atherosclerosis.