Receptor-independent fluid-phase pinocytosis mechanisms for induction of foam cell formation with native LDL particles

摘要

Purpose of reviewBecause early findings indicated that native low density lipoprotein (LDL) did not substantially increase macrophage cholesterol content during in vitro incubations, investigators presumed that LDL must be modified in some way to trigger its uptake by the macrophage. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent findings showing that native unmodified LDL can induce massive macrophage cholesterol accumulation mimicking macrophage foam cell formation that occurs within atherosclerotic plaques.