Besides the above described protective effect of IL-22 it was also demonstrated that this cytokine can prevent atherosclerosis by promoting the expression of antimicrobial peptides which limit the spread of proatherogenic bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella sp), Prevotellaceae (Prevotella copri), Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiaceae and Ruminococcaceae. Here, IL22 is linked to atherosclerosis.