Intramembrane proteases protect from atherosclerosis

manifestations myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and peripheral arterial disease still represent a leading cause of death [1]. Pathophysiological hallmark of these conditions are atherosclerotic plaques, which progressively develop in the vascular wall. They are characterized by lipid deposition, macrophage infiltration and arterial wall thickening [2] and finally lead to occlusion of the vascular lumen and induce ischemic insults. The activation of endothelial cells represents one of the first events in this pathophysiological sequence, which initiates adhesion and recruitment of immune cells [2]. Oxidized LDL particles can activate endothelial cells, which is largely mediated by the Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1). LOX-1 is a single-spanning transmembrane protein with type IIorientation (N-terminus facing the cytosol) (Figure 1), which belongs to the family of C-type lectin receptors Editorial