Not previously demonstrated, we also observed a similar negative regulation of apoE production with IFN-α This cytokine is produced primarily by plasmacytoid dendritic cells in response to viral RNA and DNA via TLR-7 and -9 [37], [38], [39] and our finding may help to explain the association between some viral infections and an increased risk of atherosclerosis. This evidence concerns the gene TLR7 and atherosclerosis.