Abstract: Apoptosis is an important feature of atherosclerotic plaques, and it has beneficial and detrimental effects depending on the cell type and plaque stage. Because apoptotic cells in advanced plaques launch proatherogenic inflammatory responses, efferocytosis is available to withstand atherosclerosis progression. Several efferocytosis systems, composed of different phagocytic receptors, apoptotic ligands, and bridging molecules, can be distinguished. Impaired efferocytosis pathway causes an overdue clearance of apoptotic cells and promotes secondary necrosis and the formation of necrotic core which leads to the instability and even rupture of plaques.

Key words: atherosclerosis, plaque, apoptosis, efferocytosis