Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process and both the innate and adaptive immune systems1 play central roles in its initiation and subsequent progression.2 Experimental models have demonstrated that the specific targeting of these biological processes can attenuate plaque formation and, in some instances, even induce regression of disease.3 As a consequence, there has been great interest in the development of clinical immune-modulatory (anti-inflammatory) agents. To date, the results of these endeavours have largely been disappointing. The recently published Canakinumab Anti-Inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study (CANTOS)4 demonstrated that targeting a particular element of inflammation through inhibition of interleukin (IL)-1β in patients with coronary artery disease reduced occurrence of a composite cardiovascular end point. However, the effects size was modest in the population studied.5 Thus, while re-igniting interest in targeting elements of ‘inflammation’, CANTOS also emphasised that more precise characterisation of disease processes will be essential. This review will consider currently described roles for inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the use of biomarkers (and their limitations) to characterise these processes and emerging opportunities in the field, including novel therapeutics.