Table 2 NPs targeting macrophages

Amphiphilic macromolecule (AM)

In vitro SMCs

Prevented LDL internalization in SMCs and reduced MSR1 and CD36 expression

[108]

AM (1 cM)

Ferulic acid

In vitro human monocyte– derived macrophages

Reduced uptake of oxLDL and ROS level

[103]

Scorpion-like AM

Lithocholic acid

In vitro human monocyte– derived macrophages

Lowered oxLDL uptake by macrophages

[107]

PLA-PEG NP

Rosiglitazone (RSG)

In vitro RAW264.7 macrophages

Significantly inhibited IL-10 expression

[121]

rHDL NP

Statin

ApoE^−/− on HFD (mice)

Accumulated in macrophages and decreased inflammation and lower inflammatory factors

[96, 100]

AM

GW3965

HFD (rats)

Lowered intimal levels of accumulated cholesterol, inhibited macrophage retention

[105]

Sugar-based AM (M₁₂PEG) against MSR1 & CD36 SR

ApoE^−/− mice on Harlan Teklad diet

Reduced artery occlusion, inhibited uptake of oxLDL, downregulated expression of SRs

[106]

Mannose-functionalized NPs

LXR ligand

LDLR^−/− on HFD (mice)

Reduction of lesion area in atherosclerotic plaques

[138]

Hyaluronan NPs

ApoE^−/− on HFD (mice)

Lowered number of immune cells in plaques

[111]

LOX-1 siRNA

ApoE^−/− on HFD (mice)

Reduced plaque area and lipid content

[113]

Simvastatin

ApoE^−/− on HFD (mice)

Significantly reduced plaque size

[114]

Cationic peptide containing pH-sensing residues (p5RHH)

JNK2 siRNA

ApoE^−/− on HFD (mice)

Decreased thrombotic risk, restored endothelial barrier integrity, reduced plaque necrosis, and depleted plaque-macrophage content

[115]