Macrophage activation in atherosclerosis. Message 1: activation of macrophages normally and in atherosclerotic lesions.

Abstract

Macrophages play important role in initiation and progression of inflammation in atherosclerosis. Plaque macrophages were shown to exhibit a phenotypic range that is intermediate between two extremes, M1 (proinflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory). Indeed, in atherosclerosis, macrophages demonstrate phenotypic plasticity to rapidly adjust to changing microenvironmental conditions. In plaque macrophages demonstrate different phenotypes, and besides macrophage phenotypes could be changed. Phenotypes М1, М2, М4, Mhem, HA-mac, M(Hb) и Mox are described in the article. Ability of macrophages change their phenotype also considered.