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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Published on: October 17, 2017
Monocyte subtypes and the CCR2 chemokine receptor in cardiovascular disease
Carolina N França1,2, Maria C O Izar2, Marinella N S Hortêncio3
1Santo Amaro University-Health Sciences Post Graduation, São Paulo - SP, Brazil carolufscar24@gmail.com.
Insights
Monocyte subsets play key roles in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Targeting the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)/chemokine receptor of MCP-1 (CCR2) pathway offers a promising therapeutic strategy for vascular disorders.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Monocytes are crucial immune cells circulating in the blood and migrating to inflammatory sites.
- Monocyte functions in inflammation and tissue repair are dictated by their distinct phenotypes.
- Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and its receptor CCR2 are implicated in cardiovascular pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct roles of human monocyte subsets in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- To highlight the significance of the MCP-1/CCR2 axis in vascular disorders.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting the MCP-1/CCR2 pathway for CVD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on monocyte subsets (classical, intermediate, nonclassical) and their functions.
- Analysis of the role of MCP-1 and CCR2 in cardiovascular pathologies like atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
- Discussion of potential therapeutic interventions targeting the MCP-1/CCR2 axis.
Main Results:
- Classical monocytes (CD14++CD16-CCR2++) are inflammatory and prevalent.
- Intermediate monocytes (CD14++CD16+CCR2+) produce both pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators.
- Nonclassical monocytes (CD14+CD16++CCR2-) are involved in vascular patrolling and repair.
Conclusions:
- Understanding monocyte subset functions is critical for comprehending CVD pathogenesis.
- The MCP-1/CCR2 signaling pathway represents a significant therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases.
- Blocking the MCP-1/CCR2 axis holds potential for treating various vascular disorders.
Abstract:
Monocytes circulate in the blood and migrate to inflammatory tissues, but their functions can be either detrimental or beneficial, depending on their phenotypes. In humans, classical monocytes are inflammatory cluster of differentiation (CD)14++CD16-CCR2++ cells originated from the bone marrow or spleen reservoirs and comprise ≥92% of monocytes. Intermediate monocytes (CD14++CD16+CCR2+) are involved in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines [such as interleukin (IL)-10], reactive oxygen species (ROS), and proinflammatory mediators [such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β). Nonclassical monocytes (CD14+CD16++CCR2-) are patrolling cells involved in tissue repair and debris removal from the vasculature. Many studies in both humans and animals have shown the importance of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and its receptor [chemokine receptor of MCP-1 (CCR2)] in pathologies, such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (MI). This review presents the importance of these monocyte subsets in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and sheds light on new strategies for the blocking of the MCP-1/CCR2 axis as a therapeutic goal for treating vascular disorders.
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