At the level of the arterial wall, however, ApoE−/−Ltbrfl/flTagln-cre mice showed two distinct phenotypes when compared to their ApoE−/− controls: their ATLO structure was disrupted as evidenced by smaller ATLOs, less HEVs, loose mixed T-/B-cell aggregates rather than separate T- and B-cell areas; and the mice showed marked exacerbation of atherosclerosis. Here, APOE is linked to atherosclerosis.