The results showed that IL-12p35 deficiency decreased the infiltration of CD4+ T cells and macrophages and increased vascular smooth muscle cells and collagen in the plaques of the ApoE-/- mice, suggesting that IL-12p35 deficiency not only attenuates atherosclerosis but also elicits a stable plaque phenotype, thereby playing a protective role in atherosclerosis. The gene discussed is CD4; the disease is atherosclerosis.