Lipid ligand-activated transcription factors regulating lipid storage and release in human macrophages

Macrophages play a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis. After recruitment in the sub-endothelial space, monocytes differentiate into macrophages, accumulate lipids thus forming foam cells and secrete pro-inflammatory and matrix-degrading factors, thus playing a role in plaque development, inflammation and instability. Therefore, pharmacological modulation of macrophage functions represents an attractive strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis.In this review, recent advances on the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and liver X receptor (LXR) transcription factors in the modulation of macrophage lipid homeostasis will be discussed.