The good smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis.

The formation of a fibrous cap made up of intimal smooth muscle cells and connective tissue is part of an attempt by the vessel wall to encapsulate the toxic products accumulating in the necrotic core of atherosclerotic lesions, and should be viewed as a beneficial healing response. In this review, we discuss the development of the intima and the potential origins of the intimal smooth muscle cell with a focus on the unique properties of these cells. We further discuss the role of intimal smooth muscle cells in plaque rupture and in wound healing, and the relationship of wound healing to the loss of lumen that occurs with development of advanced atherosclerotic lesions.