Cholesterol-laden monocyte-derived macrophages are phagocytic cells characteristic of
early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a macrophage secretory
product that is abundantly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques but whose precise role in
atherogenesis is unclear. The capacity of macrophages to clear apoptotic cells, through the
efferocytosis mechanism, as well as to reduce cellular cholesterol accumulation contributes
to prevent plaque progression and instability. By virtue of its capacity to promote cellular …