Atherosclerosis, a common, life-threatening condition that develops when plaque accumulates inside the arteries, is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases that are the leading cause of death globally. University of Minnesota researchers have identified a molecule called TREM2 as a key in combating atherosclerosis. Pre-clinical models suggest that TREM2 may provide a new therapeutic pathway beyond cholesterol targeting that could have implications for reducing cardiovascular disease across the globe.