Compositions and methods for decreasing leukocyte extravasation and vessel fluid leakage

A method of treating atherosclerosis in a mammal, the method comprising:

• identifying a mammal having atherosclerosis;
• and
• administering to the identified mammal an oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of an inhibitory RNA, an antisense oligonucleotide, and a ribozyme that decreases Map4k4 mRNA expression in an endothelial cell, in an amount sufficient to decrease the expression of Map4k4 in an endothelial cell that lines a lumen of a blood vessel in the identified mammal, thereby reducing extravasation of leukocytes from the lumen of the blood vessel, and treating atherosclerosis in the identified mammal.

A method of treating atherosclerosis in a mammal, the method comprising:

• identifying a mammal having atherosclerosis;
• and
• administering to the identified mammal an oligonucleotide selected from the group of an oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of an inhibitory RNA, an antisense oligonucleotide, and a ribozyme that decreases Map4k4 mRNA expression in an endothelial cell, in an amount sufficient to decrease the expression of Map4k4 in an endothelial cell that lines a lumen of a blood vessel in the identified mammal, thereby treating atherosclerosis in the subject.