A role for autophagy in carotid atherosclerosis

Purpose Autophagy has emerged in recent years as a critical cellular survival mechanism for cell homeostasis and may play a protective role in atherosclerosis. We aimed to review here the role autophagy plays in different cell types present in carotid atherosclerotic plaques and that may be associated with the development of unstable carotid atheroma plaque. Methods We performed a thorough literature exploration in this area of research covering the three main cell types present in carotid atheroma plaques. Findings Reviewed reports indicate that the role of autophagy in stable or unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques depends on the different cell types and phenotypes, the stage and morphology of the plaque and the specific autophagy factor/s involved. Discussion Although defective autophagy could be one of the causes for carotid atheroma plaques to become unstable, it is important to take into account that autophagic players can act differentially in different cell types and different stages of the developed plaque. Conclusion This review provides an overview of the role of autophagy in the main cell types in carotid atherosclerosis (i.e. macrophages, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells).