Odorant receptors in macrophages: potential targets for atherosclerosis

Trends Immunol. 2022 Apr;43(4):262-264. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2022.02.006. Epub 2022 Mar 10.

Abstract

In a recent report, Orecchioni et al. identify a role for the olfactory receptor (OR) Olfr2 and its human ortholog OR6A2 in atherosclerosis. Vascular macrophage Olfr2 binds octanal, a product of lipid peroxidation, activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β secretion, and driving atherosclerosis pathology. Thus, OR6A2 inhibitors may represent a promising therapy for atherosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / metabolism
  • Receptors, Odorant* / metabolism

Substances

  • Inflammasomes
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Receptors, Odorant