Figure 2.

Hypothetical representation of a micro-area of a major artery showing vasa vasorum and potential hypoxic micro-environment responsible for cellular activation, endothelial cell proliferation and ultimately plaque development. Phase 1 treatment may involve prevention of vasa vasorum proliferation by administration of targeted siRNA to block relevant gene expression. In patients with existing high grade atherosclerotic plaques, the neointima often presents with microvessels of differing levels of maturity and stability/patency. Phase 2 treatments would be designed to induce stabilization of vessels liable to rupture and bleed by administrating a mixture of factors to induce maturation of fragile vessels. Vascularization in atherosclerosis represents a complex interaction between multiple molecules, manipulation of which could benefit patients by slowing down the process of atherosclerosis and stabilizing existing plaques.