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Current Drug Targets

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1389-4501
ISSN (Online): 1873-5592

Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells in Atherosclerosis: Lessons from Murine Models and Implications for Therapy

Author(s): Nancy R. Webb and Kathryn J. Moore

Volume 8, Issue 12, 2007

Page: [1249 - 1263] Pages: 15

DOI: 10.2174/138945007783220597

Price: $65

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Abstract

Macrophage-derived foam cells play integral roles in all stages of atherosclerosis. These lipid-laden immune cells are present from the earliest discernable fatty-streak lesions to advanced plaques, and are key regulators of the pathologic behavior of plaques. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate macrophage cholesterol uptake, foam cell formation, and lipid-driven pro-inflammatory responses that promote atherosclerosis. Specific emphasis will be placed on recent findings from mouse models of atherosclerosis regarding the pathways of macrophage differentiation into foam cells and their implications for developing macrophage-directed therapeutic targets.

Keywords: Macrophage foam cell, modified lipoprotein, scavenger receptor, oxidation, secretory phospholipase A2


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