Figure 1.

The lysosomal macrophage phenotypes. Gaucher disease is a genetic disease and glucosylceramide (GlcCer) accumulates within lysosomes of Gaucher cells. Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) is caused by a genetic defect in cholesterol transport proteins, driving cholesterol and glycosphingolipid accumulation in macrophages. Increased endocytosis of myelin causes increased lysosomal load in multiple sclerosis (MS) macrophages. Increased uptake of lipoprotein particles drives lysosomal lipid loading in atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. Uptake of apoptotic adipocytes causes triglyceride accumulation in adipose tissue macrophages.