T cells in atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the artery wall. Atherosclerotic lesions contain monocytes, macrophages, smooth muscle cells and T lymphocytes. Here, we review the role of T-lymphocyte subsets in atherosclerosis. Among CD4⁺T cells, T(h)1 cells are pro-atherogenic, T(reg) cells are athero-protective and the role of T(h)2 and T(h)17 cells remains unclear. The role of follicular helper T cells in atherosclerosis remains unknown, as is the role of CD8⁺T cells. NKT cells bind glycolipid antigens and exert a pro-atherogenic role. The antigen specificity of T-cell responses in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. In order to enable antigen-specific prevention or therapy, a better understanding of these mechanisms is needed.

Function of CD147 in Atherosclerosis and Atherothrombosis

“…All T-cell subsets (e.g., CD4+, CD8+, TCRγδ+, and NKT cells) have been observed in both human and murine atherosclerotic plaques [67]. Different T-cell subsets perform different functions in atherosclerosis.…”

MICA/B expression in macrophage foam cells infiltrating atherosclerotic plaques

“…Activation of lymphocytes, such as CD8 + T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis (Kyaw et al, 2013;Tse et al, 2013;Whitman and Ramsamy, 2006). NK cells are 4 atherogenic, and their production of perforin and granzyme B contributes to atherosclerosis and the expansion of necrotic cores (Selathurai et al, 2014).…”

Beyond vascular inflammation—recent advances in understanding atherosclerosis

“…T cells can be detected in all stages of the atherosclerotic plaque 7 and based on their commitment to T helper cell (T H ) lineages, T cells can either act as pro- or anti-inflammatory cells 9 . Notably, most T cells in the plaque are of the T H 1 lineage and express the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-3, TNF, and LT.…”

“…Multiphoton microscopy recently enabled direct visualization of antigen-specific interactions between T cells and antigen presenting cells in the vessel wall 8 . Vascular immunology is now emerging as a new field, providing evidence for protective as well as damaging autoimmune responses 9, 10 . Manipulating inflammation and autoimmunity both hold promise for new therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular disease.…”