Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Coronary Perivascular Adipose Tissue From End-Stage Heart Failure Patients Identifies <i>SPP1</i> ⁺ Macrophage Subpopulation as a Target for Alleviating Fibrosis

Abstract

<i>SPP1</i>⁺ macrophages accumulated in the PVAT surrounding atherosclerotic coronary arteries, and they promoted the migration and proliferation of fibroadipogenic progenitor cells via OPN-CD44/integrin interaction and thus aggravated the fibrosis of coronary PVAT, which was positively correlated to the coronary stenosis burden. Therefore, <i>SPP1</i>⁺ macrophages in coronary PVAT may participate in the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.