RECENT PROGRESS IN DEFINING THE ROLE OF SCAVENGER RECEPTORS IN LIPID TRANSPORT, ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND HOST-DEFENSE

Scavenger receptors bind and internalize modified lipoproteins. There are several different classes of scavenger receptors in mammalian cell s and their relative contribution to lipid transport in normal physiol ogy and pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis has been the s ubject of intense investigation. Mice with a disruption in the macroph age scavenger receptor SR-A gene exhibit a reduced size of atheroscler otic lesions and also exhibit an enhanced susceptibility to pathogens and endotoxic shock. In addition to their role in lipid transport, sca venger receptors play important roles in host defence and in the regul ation of acquired immunity. Recent progress in delineating the mechani sms by which oxidized LDL effects changes in gene expression will be r eviewed. Curr Opin Lipidol 9:425-432. (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & W ilkins