Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
An In vitro Model to Study Heterogeneity of Human Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization
Published on: June 12, 2013
Regulation of Macrophage Activation and Differentiation in Atherosclerosis
1Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Korea.
Insights
Macrophages are key players in chronic inflammation driving atherosclerosis. This review details their diverse roles, activation mechanisms, and reprogramming in atherosclerotic plaques, highlighting therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic inflammation is a central feature of atherosclerosis.
- Macrophages are critical immune cells involved in all stages of atherosclerotic plaque development.
- Atherosclerotic environments induce diverse macrophage phenotypes through continuous exposure to lipids and inflammatory stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse phenotypes of macrophages in atherosclerosis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of macrophage activation and their contribution to disease progression.
- To summarize recent findings on foamy and monocyte-derived macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on macrophage biology in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic reprogramming in macrophages.
- Synthesis of current research on targeting macrophages and cytokines for therapeutic intervention.
Main Results:
- Macrophage heterogeneity arises from continuous exposure to stimuli within atherosclerotic plaques.
- Specific macrophage phenotypes are induced, contributing to plaque development and inflammation.
- Transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic changes drive macrophage reprogramming in atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages exhibit significant heterogeneity in atherosclerotic plaques, influencing disease progression.
- Understanding macrophage reprogramming offers novel therapeutic strategies for modulating atherosclerosis.
- Targeting macrophage-specific pathways and cytokines holds promise for treating atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and macrophages play a central role in controlling inflammation at all stages of atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages are continuously exposed to cholesterol, oxidized lipids, cell debris, cytokines, and chemokines. Not only do these stimuli induce a specific macrophage phenotype, but they also interact extensively, leading to macrophage heterogeneity in atherosclerotic plaques. Herein, we review the diverse phenotypes of macrophages, the mechanisms underlying macrophage activation, and the contributions of macrophages to atherosclerosis in this context. We also summarize recent studies on foamy macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages in plaque during disease progression. We provide a comprehensive overview of transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic reprogramming of macrophages and discuss the emerging concepts of targeting cytokines and macrophages to modulate atherosclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Inflammation
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:28Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology