NLRP3 and atherosclerosis: Although the effect of IL-27 in atherosclerosis is still unknown, our findings herein, showing enhanced expression of both the IL-27 system and components of the NLRP3 inflammasome within the carotid plaque and NLRP3-dependent inflammatory effects of IL-27 in PBMCs and monocytes, may suggest an inflammatory effect of IL-27 in clinical atherosclerosis.