ITGAX and atherosclerosis: One study reported that DCs can take up oxidized LDL by scavenger receptors to mature and release proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12.[91,92] Several studies have shown that the accumulation of DCs or CD11c + monocytes demonstrates the potential impact and initiation of atherosclerosis.[93–95] DCs act as APCs that do not express the costimulatory molecule B7.1/B7.2, reducing atherosclerosis.[96] To date, the mechanisms of action of DCs have not been well defined.