Foam cell

Foam cells are a type of cell that contain cholesterol. These cells are most commonly discussed in the context of cardiovascular diseases as they can form a plaque that can lead to atherosclerosis and trigger myocardial infarction and stroke.

Foam cells are derived from several cell types including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), dendritic cells, endothelial cells, and stem cells, but the most-studied foam cells are derived from macrophages and are found in atheromatous plaques. They contain low density lipoproteins (LDL) and can be rapidly detected by examining a fatty plaque under a microscope after it is removed from the body. They are named because the lipoproteins give the cell a foamy appearance.

Despite the connection with cardiovascular diseases they might not be inherently dangerous.

Some foam cells are derived from smooth muscle cells and present a limited macrophage-like phenotype.