Abstract

The utilization of single cell technologies, lineage tracing mouse models, and advanced imaging techniques has significantly enhanced our understanding of the cellular landscape of atherosclerosis. These advancements have provided a clearer resolution of the diverse cellular states involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, this increased knowledge has also introduced greater complexity to current and future research, requiring a reevaluation of our approach to drug development. This review explores the impact of recent advancements in single cell technologies, which have allowed us to map the intricate cellular networks within atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, we address the existing technological limitations that hinder our ability to identify the key cellular drivers of the disease and identify specific cell states, subsets, or surface antigens as potential drug targets for atherosclerosis.