Lipoprotein metabolism in the macrophage: Implications for cholesterol deposition in atherosclerosis

In this article, we review studies carried out over the last five years that have led to these new insights into the mechanisms for cholesterol uptake, storage, and excretion by macrophages. While the data were obtained almost exclusively from in vitro systems, they have important implications for macrophage function in the body and suggest how macrophages might go awry during the formation of foam cells in the atherosclerotic plaque.