Manganese superoxide dismutase inhibits neointima formation through attenuation of migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

► SOD2 was activated during neointima formation in balloon-injured carotid arteries. ► SOD2 knockdown promoted while SOD2 overexpression suppressed the neointima formation. ► SOD2 inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation. ► SOD2 inhibited SMC migration via scavenging O2.- and suppressing PI3/Akt signaling. ► SOD2 is a negative modulator of vascular lesion formation following injury.