Contribution of the arterial cells to atherosclerosis and plaque formation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease involving lipid deposition in arteries, leading to restricted blood flow and complications like heart attack and stroke.
• While macrophages and leukocytes are known contributors, the role of resident arterial cells in atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the role and impact of arterial cells (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts) in atherosclerotic plaque formation.
• To highlight recent findings on arterial cell plasticity, cross-differentiation, and their influence on disease progression.
• To briefly touch upon the underexplored interplay between sex and atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of recent studies on arterial cell behavior in atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of research demonstrating cellular plasticity and the formation of intermediate cell types.
• Examination of findings related to vascular cell cross-differentiation and mosaic cell characteristics.

Main Results:

• The atherogenic environment induces transformation and dedifferentiation of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts, contributing to plaque formation.
• Arterial cells exhibit significant plasticity, forming intermediate cell types and undergoing cross-differentiation, influencing plaque composition and progression.
• Atherosclerotic plaques contain cells with mosaic characteristics, indicating a complex, dynamic environment that may regulate disease independently of circulating lipids.

Conclusions:

• Resident arterial cells play a crucial, dynamic role in atherosclerosis development and progression through transformation and plasticity.
• The plaque microenvironment significantly influences disease trajectory, potentially independent of traditional lipid-driven mechanisms.
• Further research into arterial cell behavior and the influence of factors like sex is warranted to fully understand and combat atherosclerosis.