Discoidin domain receptors (DDRs): potential implications in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, one of the most common causes of cardiovascular diseases, is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. It is known that inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) phenotypic modulation and atheroma plaque vulnerability are main pathological characteristics of atherosclerosis. The discoidin domain receptors (DDRs), as unique collagen-binding tyrosine kinase receptors, were reported to be involved in the above pathogenesis process of atherogenesis. DDRs were detected on a series of cells within atherosclerotic plaques including macrophages, T cells and smooth muscle cells, and regulated the behaviors of these cells, implicating the potential involvement of DDRs in atherosclerosis. Herein we discuss the roles of DDRs in atherosclerosis, in an attempt to evaluate the value of DDRs as a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.