Fibroblast-like cells accumulate late in human coronary atherosclerosis contributing to necrotic core formation

Putative SMC-derived mesenchymal cells without contractile protein expression expand at the fibroatheroma stage of coronary atherosclerosis. Fibroblast-like cells localize around the necrotic core region and account for many apoptotic cells in plaques, suggesting a role in necrotic core development.