Figure 2.

Macrophage trapping as a mechanism of atherosclerosis. The atherosclerotic process is initiated by monocyte entry into the arterial intima, followed by differentiation of these cells into macrophages. Macrophages internalize oxidized LDL (oxLDL) through scavenger receptors such as CD36 and are trapped in the arterial intima. They promote further inflammatory responses by secreting cytokines, which recruit other immune cells to the lesion. Progression of the atherosclerotic inflammation induces arterial lumen narrowing.