动脉粥样硬化是机体免疫系统对内源性或外源性抗原产生免疫应答引起的动脉内膜的慢性炎症性疾病，固有免疫和特异性免 疫皆发挥不可或缺的作用。近些年研究表明，通过某些自身抗原或外源性抗原诱导动物产生保护性免疫应答可以缓解动脉粥样硬化， 且一些临床试验发现动脉粥样硬化及冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病与体内免疫细胞、免疫因子的存在有关。因此，免疫疗法有望成为动 脉粥样硬化新的防治措施。该文对近些年动脉粥样硬化的免疫机制研究及相关免疫治疗的研究进展进行综述。

 Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, with both the innate and adaptive immune systems responding to many endogenous and exogenous antigens. Subsequent investigations have revealed that an immunomodulatory strategy via active immunization against atherosclerotic plaque antigen(s) could potentially alleviate atherosclerosis. Substantial data from clinical investigations support the key role of immune system in atherosclerosis. So, it may be promising to develop immunotherapy against atherosclerosis. The paper reviews current status of immunization studies and possible associated immunemediated inflammatory mechanisms in atherosclerosis.