A role for macrophage scavenger receptors in atherosclerosis and susceptibility to infection

Targeted disruption of the macrophage type-I and type-II class-A scavenger receptors (MSR-A) gene in mice results in size reduction of atherosclerotic lesions in an animal deficient in apolipoprotein E. Macrophages from these deficient mice reveal a marked decrease in the in vitro uptake of modified low-density lipoproteins (mLDL), whereas mLDL clearance from plasma occurs at a normal rate. This indicates that alternative mechanisms for removing mLDL from the circulation exist. MSR-A may also play a role in host defense against pathogens.