The Role of Autophagy and Macrophages in Modulating Immune Responses in Atherosclerosis
A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2026 | Viewed by 13
Special Issue Editors
Interests: atherosclerosis; macrophages; autophagy; immune regulation; chronic inflammation; plaque stability; lipid metabolism; efferocytosis; immunometabolism
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive vascular disease characterized by lipid deposition, immune cell infiltration, and sustained inflammation within the arterial wall. Macrophages, central to this process, influence both disease initiation and progression through their roles in lipid handling, efferocytosis, and modulation of local immune responses. Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved intracellular degradation pathway, has emerged as a key regulator of macrophage phenotype, survival, and functional plasticity. Dysregulated autophagy impairs macrophage homeostasis, promotes unresolved inflammation, and contributes to the growth of plaque and instability.
This Special Issue, “The Role of Autophagy and Macrophages in Modulating Immune Responses in Atherosclerosis,” aims to highlight recent advances in understanding the autophagy–macrophage axis and its impact on vascular pathology. We welcome the submission of original research and comprehensive reviews covering mechanistic studies, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic approaches targeting autophagy in macrophages. Submissions employing diverse methodologies, including in vitro systems, in vivo models, omics-based profiling, advanced imaging, and translational studies, are encouraged. By integrating multidisciplinary perspectives, this Special Issue aims to provide new insights into the regulatory networks that link autophagy to macrophage-driven immune modulation, advancing innovative strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Dr. Kumar Prabhash Jha
Dr. Aatira Vijay
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- atherosclerosis
- macrophages
- autophagy
- immune regulation
- chronic inflammation
- plaque stability
- lipid metabolism
- efferocytosis
- immunometabolism
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