Macrophage-Based Therapies for Atherosclerosis Management

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Immunology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease underlying ischemic cardio/cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
• Current long-term treatments for AS exhibit limited efficacy and significant side effects.
• Macrophages possess intrinsic homing capabilities, presenting an opportunity for targeted and safer AS management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review macrophage-based therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis management.
• To explore novel approaches utilizing macrophages or their components for AS treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on macrophage-based therapies for AS.
• Analysis of strategies including macrophage autophagy, polarization, and targeted delivery.
• Examination of microenvironment-triggered drug release and macrophage/membrane-based drug carriers.

Main Results:

• Macrophage-based therapies demonstrate significant potential for AS management.
• Various approaches leverage macrophage characteristics for targeted drug delivery and controlled release.
• The use of macrophages or their membranes as drug carriers is a developing area.

Conclusions:

• Macrophage-based therapies hold considerable promise for effective AS management.
• These strategies offer potential for improved safety and efficacy compared to conventional treatments.
• Further research and clinical translation are anticipated for macrophage-based AS therapies.