Myeloid cell-specific Irf5 deficiency stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques in Apoe mice.

Objective: Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 5 is a transcription factor known for promoting M1 type macrophage polarization in vitro. Given the central role of inflammatory macrophages in promoting atherosclerotic plaque progression, we hypothesize that myeloid cell-specific deletion of IRF5 is protective against atherosclerosis.

Methods: Female ApoeLysmIrf5 and ApoeIrf5 mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet for three months.