Abstract
Macrophages are core cellular elements of both early and advanced atherosclerosis. They take up modified lipoproteins and become lipid-loaded foam cells and secrete factors that influence other cell types in the artery wall involved in atherogenesis. Apoproteins E, AI, and SAA are all found on HDL which can enter the artery wall. In addition, apoE is synthesized by macrophages. These three apoproteins can promote cholesterol efflux from lipid-loaded macrophages and have other functions that modulate macrophage biology. Mimetic peptides based on the sequence or structure of these apoproteins replicate some of these properties and are potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of atherosclerosis to reduce cardiovascular diseases.