CTSB promotes ferroptosis in macrophage-derived foam cells and aggravates plaque instability via the NRF2/HMOX1 axis.
A CTSB/NRF2/HMOX1 signaling cascade that drives ferroptosis in macrophage-derived foam cells and promotes plaque instability is uncovered, positioning CTSB as a promising therapeutic target for stabilizing high-risk atherosclerotic plaques.