Macrophage-Based Therapies for Atherosclerosis Management

Renyi Peng1,2, Hao Ji1,2, Libo Jin1,2

  • 1Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.

Insights

Macrophages offer a promising avenue for treating atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory vascular disease. Macrophage-based therapies show potential for effective and safe AS management in future clinical applications.

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.

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