CD4 and atherosclerosis: Characteristically, Th1 cells are identified by the production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a cytokine that promotes atherosclerosis and plaque rupture through effects on several cells in atherosclerotic lesions.1 While the pro-atherogenic role of Th1 is well documented, the precise contribution of other CD4+ T-cell subsets (e.g. Th2 and Th17) remains debatable due to conflicting reports.2