Engineering Nanoplatforms for Theranostics of Atherosclerotic Plaques.

Atherosclerotic plaque formation is considered the primary pathological mechanism underlying atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, leading to severe cardiovascular events such as stroke, acute coronary syndromes, and even sudden cardiac death. Early detection and timely intervention of plaques are challenging due to the lack of typical symptoms in the initial stages. Therefore, precise early detection and intervention play a crucial role in risk stratification of atherosclerotic plaques and achieving favorable post-interventional outcomes. The continuously advancing nanoplatforms have demonstrated numerous advantages including high signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced bioavailability, and specific targeting capabilities for imaging agents and therapeutic drugs, enabling effective visualization and management of atherosclerotic plaques. Motivated by these superior properties, we comprehensively summarize various noninvasive imaging modalities for early recognition of plaques in the preliminary stage of atherosclerosis. Additionally, we propose several therapeutic strategies to enhance the efficacy of treating atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and promising prospects for accelerating clinical translation of nanoplatform-based molecular imaging and therapy for atherosclerotic plaques. In conclusion, this review provides an insightful perspective on the diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerotic plaques. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.