Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as the leading cause of mortality globally, with atherosclerosis being a prominent focus of investigation among medical researchers worldwide. Atherosclerosis is characterized as a disease of the large and medium-sized arteries that is multifocal, accumulative, and immunoinflammatory in nature, resulting from the deposition of lipids. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammatory responses and immunoregulation play a vital role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. While existing treatments for atherosclerosis can assist in symptom management and slowing disease progression, a complete cure remains elusive. Consequently, there is significant interest in research and development of potential new drugs for this condition. Therefore, this review aims to consolidate the current understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with an emphasis on inflammation, immune response and infection. Besides, it examines the effects and mechanisms of immunological modulations in atherosclerosis, and the potential therapeutic targets and drugs for intervening in the inflammatory responses and immunoregulation associated with atherosclerosis. Additionally, novel drug options for treating atherosclerosis are explored within the context of this review.

心血管疾病（CVD）已成为全球死亡的主要原因，其中动脉粥样硬化是全球医学研究人员研究的重点。动脉粥样硬化是一种大中型动脉疾病，本质上是多灶性、累积性和免疫炎症性的，由脂质沉积引起。越来越多的证据表明炎症反应和免疫调节在动脉粥样硬化的发生和发展中发挥着至关重要的作用。虽然现有的动脉粥样硬化治疗方法可以帮助控制症状并减缓疾病进展，但彻底治愈仍然难以实现。因此，人们对研究和开发治疗这种疾病的潜在新药产生了浓厚的兴趣。所以，本综述旨在巩固目前对动脉粥样硬化发病机制的理解，重点关注炎症、免疫反应和感染。此外，它还研究了免疫调节在动脉粥样硬化中的作用和机制，以及干预与动脉粥样硬化相关的炎症反应和免疫调节的潜在治疗靶点和药物。此外，本综述还探讨了治疗动脉粥样硬化的新药物选择。以及干预与动脉粥样硬化相关的炎症反应和免疫调节的潜在治疗靶点和药物。此外，本综述还探讨了治疗动脉粥样硬化的新药物选择。以及干预与动脉粥样硬化相关的炎症反应和免疫调节的潜在治疗靶点和药物。此外，本综述还探讨了治疗动脉粥样硬化的新药物选择。