Mitochondrial Dysfunction Contributes to Foam Cell Formation in M2 Macrophages Derived From Non-Classical Monocytes

Macrophages are at the centre stage of atherogenesis as they scavenge lipids to become foam cells, directly promoting lesion growth. The majority of macrophages arise from circulating blood monocytes that consist of a heterogeneous population. In patients with atherosclerosis, intermediate and non-classical monocytes are significantly elevated or predict cardiovascular events. It remains unknown how these specific monocyte subsets contribute to foam cell formation and whether M1- (inflammatory) or M2- (resolving) macrophages derived from the specific monocyte subpopulations have different lipid-handling capabilities.