TNF and atherosclerosis: Although previous studies have shown that PCSK9 could modulate macrophage-driven inflammation in atherosclerosis (33) and play an immunological role in oxLDL-induced DCs maturation and T-cell activation in atherosclerotic plaques and human blood (17), these localized effects may be counterbalanced by systemic inflammatory storm characterized by elevated proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in AIS.