Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell family in atherosclerosis: from mechanisms to intervention strategies

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of coronary artery disease (CAD). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell (TREM) family members are critical regulators of lipid metabolism, inflammation and extracellular matrix metabolism during atherogenesis and thereby influence foam cell formation, vascular inflammation and plaque stability. Furthermore, soluble TREM proteins arising from the alternative splicing of TREM family mRNAs, proteolytic shedding or single nucleotide polymorphisms, hold significant diagnostic and prognostic value for CAD patients. Therefore, the importance of the TREM family in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis should not be underestimated. This review emphasizes the contribution of the TREM family to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles of the TREM family in atherosclerosis. Moreover, this review summarizes the clinical significance of soluble TREM proteins in cardiovascular diseases, thereby highlighting their emerging potential as biomarkers in CAD. Finally, the molecular mechanisms regulating TREM family expression and the translational potential of strategies targeting TREM family members in atherosclerosis-associated diseases are discussed.