IFNG and atherosclerosis: IL-18 is involved in the development of atherosclerosis and contributes to plaque instability through an immune response that increases the synthesis of endothelial adhesion molecules by inducing the synthesis of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and reduces the size of the fibrous plaque cap by promoting the expression of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) on macrophages and vascular cells.