Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with atherosclerosis - an inflammatory disease involving the accumulation of blood fats in the vessel wall - being the main underlying factor. Inflammation leads to the formation of plaque, which, if ruptured, can cause blood clots and even heart attacks. Oxygen deprivation (ischemia) occurs when a vessel becomes blocked, triggering further inflammation that can damage tissue even after blood flow is restored. The nervous and immune systems work together: peripheral nerves sense inflammatory signals and communicate with the central nervous system, which in turn affects immune organs such as the spleen. Immune cells have receptors that respond to nerve signals and influence inflammation. The role of the nervous system in regulating the heart and vessels is known, but its influence on the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis is still unclear. This research program investigates how the nervous system affects inflammation in the blood vessel wall. By combining animal and human studies, the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system is explored. This is a new and unique approach that could provide new insights and open the door to future treatments for cardiovascular disease.