Macrophage apoptosis is an important feature of atherosclerotic plaque development.
Research directed at understanding the functional consequences of macrophage death in
atherosclerosis has revealed opposing roles for apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaque
progression. In early lesions, macrophage apoptosis limits lesion cellularity and suppresses
plaque progression. In advanced lesions, macrophages apoptosis promotes the
development of the necrotic core, a key factor in rendering plaques vulnerable to disruption …