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Author Spotlight: THP-1 Macrophage Response to LPS/ATP — Unveiling the Pyroptosis, Apoptosis, and Necroptosis Spectrum
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The Function, Regulation and Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis

Chang Liu1, Zecheng Jiang1, Zhongjie Pan2

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|January 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Programmed cell death in macrophages significantly impacts atherosclerosis progression and plaque stability. Targeting macrophage death offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating this inflammatory vascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory vascular disease underlying many cardio-cerebrovascular conditions.
  • Macrophages are key immune cells within atherosclerotic plaques, integral to disease progression.
  • Programmed cell death is increasingly recognized for its role in disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of programmed macrophage cell death in atherosclerosis.
  • To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage death in atherosclerotic plaques.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on macrophage programmed cell death and atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of the impact of macrophage death on plaque development and stability.

Main Results:

  • Macrophage programmed cell death influences the development and stability of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Intervention in macrophage death pathways presents a potential therapeutic avenue.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophage programmed cell death is a critical factor in atherosclerosis.
  • Targeting macrophage death is a promising strategy for future atherosclerosis therapies.

Keywords:
apoptosisatherosclerosisautophagyferroptosismacrophagenecroptosisprogrammed cell deathpyroptosis

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