Scheme 1.
From: Targeted theranostic photoactivation on atherosclerosis
Schematic overview of the macrophage SR-A targeted photoactivation for autophagy induction and efferocytosis enhancement to regress atherosclerosis. Macrophage-targetable phototheranostic agent DS-Ce6 internalizes into the plaque macrophages through SR-A-mediated endocytosis. Upon laser irradiation, DS-Ce6 emits NIRF and simultaneously produces ROS. The generated ROS activates autophagy and upregulates MerTK expression within foam cells, and then promotes the engulfment of photoactivation-induced apoptotic cells. Macrophage-targeted photoactivation reduces inflammatory activity and results in plaque regression