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Fig. 7 | Cell Communication and Signaling

Fig. 7

From: NFAT5 mediates hypertonic stress-induced atherosclerosis via activating NLRP3 inflammasome in endothelium

Fig. 7

Schematic summarizes the mechanism that NLRP3 inflammasome activation in endothelium mediates hypertonic stress-induced atherosclerosis via NFAT5. Schematic illustration of the process. Stage i: Hypertonicity → NFAT5-dependent NLRP3 gene transcription → NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Stage ii: NLRP3 inflammasome activation → NFAT5-transcription-mediated pro-IL-1β → IL-1β secretion. Stage iii: IL-1β secretion → adhesive molecules → monocytes adhesion and infiltration. Stage iv: The activation of endothelial innate immunity promotes macrophage-driven foam cells and phenotype conversion of smooth muscle cells, contributing to the formation of atherosclerosis

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