A positive feedback loop between IL-1β, LPS and NEU1 may promote atherosclerosis by enhancing a pro-inflammatory state in monocytes and macrophages.

Inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis, a notion supported by the beneficial effects of the IL-1β inhibitor canakinumab in the CANTOS trial. Sialic acids (Sias), components of the surface glycocalyx, regulate intercellular and intermolecular interactions. We investigated the expression of the Sia cleaving enzyme neuraminidase-1 (NEU1) in atherosclerotic plaques and its potential role in inflammatory processes.