Macrophage scavenger receptors and atherosclerosis

The fatty streak is the earliest visible atherosclerotic lesion. Microscopically, this lesion consists of a subendothelial collection of macrophage foam cells that are characterized by their content of numerous lipid droplets. Investigations into the mechanisms responsible for foam cell formation have led to the identification of macrophage scavenger receptors that are capable of recognizing and internalizing modified forms of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The recent cloning of a macrophage scavenger receptor that is capable of recognizing acetylated and oxidized LDL has permitted the application of molecular approaches to the study of scavenger receptor expression and the determinants of ligand recognition. These studies suggest the possibility that treatment strategies that inhibit LDL modification or influence macrophage gene expression might be effective in the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.