English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Atherosclerosis is the largest contributor toward life-threatening cardiovascular events. Cellular activity and cholesterol accumulation lead to vascular remodeling and the formation of fatty plaques. Complications arise from blood clots, forming at sites of plaque development, which may detach and result in thrombotic occlusions. Vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages play dominant roles in atherosclerosis. A firm understanding of how these cells influence and modulate each other is pivotal for a better understanding of the disease and the development of novel therapeutics. Recent studies have investigated molecular interactions between both cell types and their impact on disease progression. Here we aim to review the current knowledge. Intercellular communications through soluble factors, physical contact, and extracellular vesicles are discussed. We also present relevant background on scientific methods used to study the disease, the general pathophysiology and intracellular factors involved in phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells. We conclude this review with a discussion of the current state, shortcomings and potential future directions of the field.

Molecular Interactions Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Macrophages in Atherosclerosis