Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To understand chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, we require in-depth knowledge on immune-cell differentiation, function of specific immune-cell subsets and endothelial cell-mediated extravasation. In this review, we summarize a number of very recent observations on the pivotal function of NR4A nuclear receptors in immunity and atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS: NR4A nuclear receptors are involved in negative selection of thymocytes, Treg differentiation and the development of Ly6C monocytes. Nur77 and Nurr1 attenuate atherosclerosis in mice whereas NOR-1 aggravates vascular lesion formation. SUMMARY: These exciting, novel insights on the function of NR4A nuclear receptors in immunity, vascular cells and atherosclerosis will initiate a plethora of studies to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, which will culminate in the identification of novel NR4A targets to modulate chronic inflammatory disease.