Biomimetic 3D Models for Investigating the Role of Monocytes and Macrophages in Atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Atherosclerosis, the inflammation of artery walls due to the accumulation of lipids, is the most common underlying cause for cardiovascular diseases. Monocytes and macrophages are major cells that contribute to the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. During this process, an accumulation of LDL-laden macrophages (foam cells) and an alteration in the extracellular matrix (ECM) organization leads to a local vessel stiffening. Current in vitro models are carried out onto two-dimensional tissue culture plastic and cannot replicate the relevant microenvironments. To bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo conditions, we utilized three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices that allowed us to mimic the ECM stiffening during atherosclerosis by increasing collagen density. First,

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Sabate A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7552756 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature