Atherosclerosis is a prevalent inflammatory condition and a frequent cause of morbidity
and mortality worldwide. Macrophages are among the key immune cells driving lesion
formation in the arterial wall. They have therefore evolved as potential targets for
therapeutic strategies. Understanding of the different macrophage phenotypes and functions
seems to be of pivotal importance for the development of treatments to target these
immune cells. This review highlights the complexity of the mononuclear phagocyte system
and summarizes important features of macrophage biology contributing to atherosclerosis.
Keywords
atherosclerosis - macrophage - monocyte - inflammation - therapy