FIG. 7.

OxPLs are recognized by soluble and cell-associated pattern-recognition receptors of innate immunity. Fragmented oxidized residues change their orientation within the cell membrane or lipoprotein outer layer, and protrude into the water phase, thus enabling recognition by cellular receptors (e.g., CD36, natural (germ-line encoded) immunoglobulins or C-reactive protein). It is likely that in analogy with other, better characterized ligands of these proteins, interactions with OxPLs result in removal and degradation of oxidized lipoproteins, senescent and apoptotic cells. Furthermore, binding of OxPLs to CD36 promotes formation of foam cells characteristic of atherosclerosis.