Macrophages and Their Role in Atherosclerosis: Pathophysiology and Transcriptome Analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation, with macrophages playing dual roles.
• Proinflammatory macrophages accumulate cholesterol and destabilize plaques.
• Anti-inflammatory macrophages aid in plaque stabilization and tissue repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review macrophage diversity, activation, and plasticity in atherosclerosis.
• To explore macrophage-based strategies for anti-atherosclerotic therapy.
• To present cellular assays for evaluating anti-atherosclerotic substances.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of macrophage roles in atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of macrophage phenotypes and functions.
• Description of macrophage-based cellular assays.

Main Results:

• Macrophages exhibit diverse phenotypes with distinct roles in plaque development and stability.
• Therapeutic strategies can target monocyte recruitment, proinflammatory macrophages, or anti-inflammatory responses.
• Macrophage plasticity is crucial in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• Macrophages are critical targets for anti-atherosclerotic drug development.
• Further research is needed for comprehensive macrophage classification and role definition.
• Macrophage-based assays can evaluate potential therapeutic agents.