[Cells of the immune system in atherosclerosis--chosen data].

Development of artherosclerosis is associated with participation of various cell types of the immune system such as: granulocytes, B and T lymphocytes, mast cells, dendritic cells and progenitor cells. Cytokines and growth factors have a great impact on activation of the atheromatous plaque. This pathological process results in increase of artery's tunic intima thickness, leading to coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction or stroke. It is suggested that a closer look at participation of the immune system cells in artherosclerosis may contribute to a change in the profile of therapy of this disease.