Modulation of vascular inflammation: cell type specific effects by ADAMs and HDL

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease. This dissertation focuses on regulating inflammation, a key factor in atherosclerosis, by modulating high density lipoproteins (HDL, or ‘good cholesterol’) and modifying proteins via A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM) enzymes. We demonstrated that the presence of ADAM10 in blood cells and endothelial cells has the opposite effect on atherosclerosis. We also found that HDL had cell-specific effects, namely, anti-inflammatory effects on smooth muscle cells and inflammatory effects on macrophages. These cell-specific effects are important for developing targeted and patient-specific therapies.