Vascular remodeling is an active process of structural changes in the vasculature due to changes in the blood flow. It comprises diseases and processes such peripheral artery disease (PAD),... Show moreVascular remodeling is an active process of structural changes in the vasculature due to changes in the blood flow. It comprises diseases and processes such peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), neovascularization and vein graft disease (VGD), that are covered by cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The main underlying pathology of CVD is atherosclerosis, which can cause ischemia distal to atherosclerotic occlusions. Neovascularization (angiogenesis and arteriogenesis) naturally occurs in the body to form new blood vessels and restore blood flow to ischemic tissue. In case of severe atherosclerotic lesions, when the neovascularization capability of the body is not sufficient and revascularization interventions are no longer possible, bypass surgery is indicated with preferaby a vein graft. However, due to VGD, patency rates of vein grafts after 10 years are low. The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the role of the innate and adaptive immune system on vascular remodeling. We investigated the role of Toll-like receptors, Interferon regulatory factors and T cells on neovascularisation and VGD. In conclusion, new knowledge was obtained on several contributing factors in vascular remodeling. Described molecules of the innate and adaptive immune system might be used as targets to prevent VGD and stimulate neovascularization. Show less
