Macrophage-secreted C1Q binds to endothelial gC1qR/CD91 receptors, activating src/FAK/ERK1/2 signaling to upregulate VEGFR2 and promote VEGF-independent angiogenesis. This drives unstable microvessel formation prone to hemorrhage, contributing to plaque progression and vulnerability. The hypothesis connects lesional macrophage infiltration to intraplaque hemorrhage and clinical instability.
C1Q binding to modified LDL particles triggers Syk kinase signaling and mitochondrial ROS production, providing a priming signal for NLRP3 inflammasome assembly in lesional macrophages. This mechanism creates a feed-forward inflammatory loop where C1Q-opsonized cholesterol crystals activate caspase-1, driving IL-1β/IL-18 secretion and perpetuating plaque inflammation. The hypothesis leverages the CANTOS trial precedent for IL-1β-targeted therapy in atherosclerosis, offering a clear translational
# Critical Evaluation of C1Q-Atherosclerosis Mechanistic Hypotheses
## Overview
These hypotheses form a coherent mechanistic framework linking the complement system to atherosclerosis pathogenesis. ...
Domain Expert
# Feasibility Assessment: C1Q-Atherosclerosis Mechanistic Hypotheses
## Executive Summary
The SKEPTIC's critical evaluation substantially deflates confidence across all seven hypotheses. After remov...
Synthesizer
{"ranked_hypotheses":[{"title":"C1Q-Triggered NLRP3 Inflammasome Assembly in Plaque Macrophages","description":"C1Q binding to modified LDL particles triggers Syk kinase signaling and mitochondrial RO...
C1Q-Triggered NLRP3 Inflammasome Assembly in Plaqu
# Critical Evaluation of C1Q-Atherosclerosis Mechanistic Hypotheses
## Overview
These hypotheses form a coherent mechanistic framework linking the complement system to atherosclerosis pathogenesis. ...
Domain Expert
# Feasibility Assessment: C1Q-Atherosclerosis Mechanistic Hypotheses
## Executive Summary
The SKEPTIC's critical evaluation substantially deflates confidence across all seven hypotheses. After remov...
Synthesizer
{"ranked_hypotheses":[{"title":"C1Q-Triggered NLRP3 Inflammasome Assembly in Plaque Macrophages","description":"C1Q binding to modified LDL particles triggers Syk kinase signaling and mitochondrial RO...