Decreased numbers of regulatory T cells are associated with human atherosclerotic lesion vulnerability and inversely correlate with infiltrated mature dendritic cells

Molecular hydrogen stabilizes atherosclerotic plaque in low-density lipoprotein receptor-knockout mice

“…In addition, it has been reported that decreased numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg's) are associated with atherosclerotic lesion vulnerability and inversely correlate with infiltrating mature dendritic cells (DCs) [24]. In the present study, we found that, in H 2 -or simvastatin-treated plaques, the numbers of CD83 þ DCs were significantly decreased, whereas the numbers of Foxp3 þ Treg's were higher compared to control plaques ( Fig.…”

MerTK receptor cleavage promotes plaque necrosis and defective resolution in atherosclerosis

“…Mertk CR lesions also had thicker fibrous cap thickness and increased collagen gene expression ( Figure 3, A and B), which are associated with plaque stability and inflammation resolution (1,15). These lesions also had more Tregs ( Figure 3C), which can promote resolution (16,17), are decreased in human and mouse advanced atheroma (18), and have been causatively linked to plaque progression in mice (19).…”

Regulatory/Effector T-Cell Ratio Is Reduced in Coronary Artery Disease

“…13-15, 20 Wigren et al defined Treg as CD4 + FoxP3 + or CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + cells and showed that there was an association between low baseline CD4 + FoxP3 + T cells and an increased risk for the development of acute coronary events but not stroke. 15 Their study was the first large-volume and long follow-up study investigating the association between circulating Treg, defined as the expression of FoxP3 in CD4 + T cells, and CAD, and suggests that Treg may play a protective role in human atherosclerosis and therefore are of potential clinical importance.…”