Olfr2-positive macrophages originating from monocytes proliferate in situ and present a pro-inflammatory foamy-like phenotype

Olfactory receptor 2 (Olfr2) has been identified in a minimum of 30% of vascular macrophages, and its depletion was shown to reduce atherosclerosis progression. Mononuclear phagocytes, including monocytes and macrophages within the vessel wall, are major players in atherosclerosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing studies revealed that atherosclerotic artery walls encompass several monocytes and vascular macrophages, defining at least nine distinct subsets potentially serving diverse functions in disease progression. This study investigates the functional phenotype and ontogeny of Olfr2-expressing vascular macrophages in atherosclerosis.