Macrophage DNases Limit Neutrophil Extracellular Trap–Mediated Defective Efferocytosis in Atherosclerosis

Macrophages play a key role in clearing NETs from tissues. Endoplasmic reticulum stress suppresses macrophage DNase secretion, leading to NET accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques, which triggers efferocytosis impairment and plaque progression. Targeting the PERK-ATF4 axis to restore DNase release and NET clearance represents a promising therapeutic strategy to promote plaque stabilization.