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Updated: May 8, 2026
07:46
Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
Macrophages in atherosclerosis: a dynamic balance.
Kathryn J Moore1, Frederick J Sheedy, Edward A Fisher
1Department of Medicine, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Marc and Ruti Bell Vascular Biology and Disease Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|September 3, 2013
Summary
Atherosclerosis involves lipid metabolism imbalance and immune responses, particularly concerning macrophages in artery walls. Understanding macrophage dynamics in plaques is key to developing new treatments for this chronic inflammatory disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition.
- It stems from imbalanced lipid metabolism and immune responses.
- Cholesterol-laden macrophages accumulate in artery walls, driving disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on macrophage dynamics in atherosclerosis.
- To explore pathways linking lipid metabolism, inflammation, and macrophage retention.
- To identify factors influencing macrophage egress from plaques.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of atherosclerosis progression and regression in animal models.
- Review of current literature on inflammatory pathways.
- Examination of factors affecting macrophage behavior within plaques.
Main Results:
- Macrophage balance within atherosclerotic plaques is dynamic.
- Both macrophage quantity and inflammatory phenotype impact plaque fate.
- Specific pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways influence macrophage retention and egress.
Conclusions:
- Understanding macrophage dynamics is crucial for targeting atherosclerosis.
- Identifying pathways for macrophage egress offers therapeutic potential.
- Future research should focus on modulating macrophage behavior to treat atherosclerosis.
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