MCL attenuates atherosclerosis by suppressing macrophage ferroptosis via targeting KEAP1/NRF2 interaction

•MCL attenuated AS development, decreased inflammatory response and improved oxidative stress.•MCL inhibited macrophage ferroptosis and mitochondrial function to attenuate the progress of AS.•MCL suppressed ferroptosis by increasing GPX4 and xCT via activating NRF2 pathway.•MCL promotes KEAP1/NRF2 dissociation by competing with NRF2 to bind the Arg483 site of KEAP1.