Br J Pharmacol. 2019 Jun 28. doi: 10.1111/bph.14779. [Epub ahead of print]

The role of smooth muscle cells in plaque stability: Therapeutic targeting potential.

Harman JL¹, Jørgensen HF¹.

Abstract

Events responsible for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity are predominantly caused by rupture of "vulnerable" atherosclerotic lesions. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a key role in atherogenesis and have historically been considered beneficial for plaque stability. VSMCs constitute the main cellular component of the protective fibrous cap within lesions and are responsible for synthesizing strength-giving extracellular matrix components. However, lineage-tracing experiments in mouse models of atherosclerosis have shown that, in addition to the fibrous cap, VSMCs also give rise to many of the cell types found within the plaque core. In particular, VSMCs generate a substantial fraction of lipid-laden foam cells and VSMC-derived cells expressing markers of macrophages, osteochondrocyte and mesenchymal stem cells have been observed within lesions. Here we review recent studies that have changed our perspective on VSMC function in atherosclerosis and discuss how VSMCs could be targeted to increase plaque stability.