Decoding Intercellular Interactions In Atherosclerosis Development

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the arterial walls, leading to cardiovascular complications. This condition arises from complex interactions among various cell types, including endothelial cells, macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells, and immune cells. Despite significant advances in understanding atherosclerosis, the precise mechanisms underlying intercellular interactions in its development remain unclear. Current research focuses on unraveling the roles of these cellular interactions, yet ongoing debates about their contributions to disease progression persist. Emerging studies suggest that understanding the nuances of cell-cell communication could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies, underscoring a critical need for comprehensive research in this domain.

This Research Topic aims to delve deep into the intercellular interactions that drive the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. By focusing on the dynamic crosstalk between different cellular populations, this topic seeks to unveil new insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Key objectives include identifying novel cellular pathways and interaction mechanisms that contribute to atherosclerotic lesion development and exploring potential targets for therapy. Addressing these questions will advance our understanding of how cell-cell interactions can be modulated to halt or reverse the disease process.

To gather further insights into intercellular interactions in atherosclerosis, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o The interaction between macrophages and endothelial cells in plaque formation

o Crosstalk between vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts in arterial wall remodeling

o The role of T lymphocytes and endothelial cell interactions in immune responses within plaques

o Mechanisms of cellular adhesion and signaling in atherosclerosis

o Therapeutic potential of targeting intercellular interactions in atherosclerosis

We invite original research, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to this vital field of study.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Intercellular interaction, Endothelial cells, Macrophages, Vascular smooth muscle cells, Immune response, Cellular signaling

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.