Kindlin 3 (FERMT3) is associated with unstable atherosclerotic plaques, anti-inflammatory type II macrophages and upregulation of beta-2 integrins in all major arterial beds

•Kindlin-3 was upregulated in human atherosclerotic, especially unstable plaques.•Kindlin-3 was associated with monocytic cells and anti-inflammatory M2-macrophage signatures.•Synergistic upregulation of β2 integrin in plaques favors leukocyte adhesion and transmigration.•Pharmacological modulation of kindlin-3 might be used to modify plaque stability.