Selective depletion of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques via macrophage-specific initiation of cell death.
Macrophages play a central role in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, leading to acute coronary syndromes and sudden death. Removal of macrophages from plaques via pharmacological therapy may therefore represent a promising approach to stabilize vulnerable, rupture-prone lesions. In this review, we summarize the current therapeutic means to induce macrophage cell death in atherosclerotic plaques without affecting smooth muscle cell viability, and their potential pitfalls.
Martinet
Wim
W
Division of Pharmacology, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium. wim.martinet@ua.ac.be
Verheye
Stefan
S
De Meyer
Guido R Y
GR
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D012421:Rupture
D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors; D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors