Class A1 scavenger receptors in cardiovascular diseases.

Class A1 scavenger receptors (SR-A1) are membrane glycoproteins that can form homotrimers. This receptor was originally defined by its ability to mediate the accumulation of lipids in macrophages. Subsequent studies reveal that SR-A1 plays critical roles in innate immunity, cell apoptosis and proliferation. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the structure, receptor pathway and regulation of SR-A1. Although its role in atherosclerosis is disputable, recent discoveries suggest that SR-A1 function in anti-inflammatory responses by promoting an M2 macrophage phenotype in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, SR-A1 may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of cardiovascular diseases.