To investigate the potential role of immune auto-reactivity to hCAP-18 in atherosclerosis, we designed experiments with the Apolipoprotein E(-/-) [ApoE(-/-)] mouse model of atherosclerosis using the mouse homolog of hCAP-18, called CRAMP (Cathelicidin Related Antimicrobial Peptide). This evidence concerns the gene APOE and atherosclerosis.