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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
Published on: December 7, 2013
Vascular Macrophages in Atherosclerosis
Hailin Xu1, Jingxin Jiang2, Wuzhen Chen2,3
1Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Jiande, Hangzhou, China.
Insights
Atherosclerosis involves chronic inflammation, with macrophages playing key roles. Targeting these immune cells and their inflammatory pathways offers new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases, posing a significant global health burden.
- It is characterized as a chronic, inflammatory process involving both innate and adaptive immunity.
- Macrophages are central immune cells within atherosclerotic lesions, critical throughout disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of macrophages in various stages of atherosclerosis.
- To explore the diverse phenotypes and functions of macrophage subsets within atherosclerotic plaques.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage-driven inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on macrophage biology in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of studies detailing macrophage phenotypes and functions in different disease stages.
- Synthesis of current research on macrophage-centric anti-atherosclerosis treatments.
Main Results:
- Macrophages are pivotal in atherosclerosis initiation, progression, and plaque development.
- Macrophage phenotypes exhibit significant heterogeneity, influenced by the plaque microenvironment.
- Targeting macrophage inflammation presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding macrophage dynamics in atherosclerosis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Modulating macrophage phenotypes and inflammatory responses holds potential for combating cardiovascular disease.
- Macrophage-targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in anti-atherosclerosis strategies.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis for the occurrence of most cardiovascular diseases, the leading global health threat, and a great burden for society. It has been well established that atherosclerosis is not only a metabolic disorder but also a chronic, sterile, and maladaptive inflammatory process encompassing both innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophages, the major immune cell population in atherosclerotic lesions, have been shown to play critical roles in all stages of atherosclerosis, including the initiation and progression of advanced atherosclerosis. Macrophages have emerged as a novel potential target for antiatherosclerosis therapy. In addition, the macrophage phenotype is greatly influenced by microenvironmental stimuli in the plaques and presents complex heterogeneity. This article reviews the functions of macrophages in different stages of atherosclerosis, as well as the phenotypes and functions of macrophage subsets. New treatment strategies based on macrophage-related inflammation are also discussed.
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