Macrophage efferocytosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities for future cardiovascular diseases

Macrophages play a key role in the occurrence, development, and resolution of inflammation after heart injury. Delayed resolution of the inflammatory response in the heart will impair cardiac function and threaten human health. Macrophage efferocytosis, the process by which macrophages clear apoptotic cells, plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and modulating inflammatory responses. Current research indicates that a disruption of efferocytosis signaling molecules is present in the progression of various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, ultimately leading to impaired efferocytosis. Interventions aimed at enhancing macrophage efferocytosis may improve cardiovascular function and patient prognosis by accelerating the clearance of apoptotic cells and alleviating excessive inflammation. This article reviews recent advances in the study of macrophage efferocytosis related to cardiovascular diseases and explores the reasons for the impaired efferocytosis of macrophages in different cardiovascular diseases, aiming to provide theoretical support for the development of targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases.