TLR2 and atherosclerosis: MMP-2 and -9 are highly expressed in RA SM atherosclerotic plaques and are upregulated during vascular injury [41]–[44], Blockade of TLR2 signalling via MyD88, results in inhibition of MMP-2 and -9 in a culture model of atherosclerosis [32], thus further supporting the hypothesis that TLR2 blockade may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases and other vascular diseases.