Macrophage diversity and polarization in atherosclerosis: a question of balance - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

. 2009 Oct;29(10):1419-23.

doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.108.180497. Epub 2009 Aug 20.

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Review

Macrophage diversity and polarization in atherosclerosis: a question of balance

Alberto Mantovani et al. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

Diversity and plasticity are hallmarks of mononuclear phagocytes, which are reflected in plaque formation and evolution. Different monocyte subsets, which differentially contribute to plaque infiltration and to atherosclerosis complications, have been identified. Similarly, depending on different environmental signals plaque-associated macrophages can express polarized pro- and antiatherogenic programs by influencing lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and plaque stability. Thus, a "macrophage balance" plays a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques and affects evolution and complications of atherosclerosis.

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