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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
15:15
Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas
Published on: July 1, 2011
T cells and cytokines in atherogenesis
G Liuzzo1, G Giubilato, M Pinnelli
1Cardiology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. gliuzzo@hotmail.com
Lupus
|October 13, 2005
Summary
Inflammation drives atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Activated immune cells, including CD4+ CD28null T cells, and inflammatory markers are prevalent in acute coronary syndromes, indicating ongoing vascular injury.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in all stages of atherosclerosis, from initial lesion development to thrombotic complications.
- In acute coronary syndromes (ACS), atherosclerotic plaques exhibit activated macrophages and T-lymphocytes at sites of rupture or erosion, signifying active inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of inflammation and specific immune cell subsets in acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
- To characterize the inflammatory profile of coronary lesions and circulating immune cells in ACS patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of coronary atherosclerotic plaques from deceased ACS patients.
- Assessment of circulating immune cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils), proinflammatory cytokines, and C-reactive protein levels.
- Identification and characterization of T-cell subsets, specifically CD4+ CD28null T cells, in peripheral blood and coronary lesions.
Main Results:
- ACS plaques contain activated macrophages and T-lymphocytes, indicating ongoing inflammation.
- ACS patients exhibit activated circulating immune cells and elevated proinflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein.
- An expanded subset of CD4+ CD28null T cells, known for vascular injury potential, was found in the peripheral blood and coronary lesions of ACS patients.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation is a central process in ACS, involving activated immune cells and elevated inflammatory markers.
- The presence and infiltration of CD4+ CD28null T cells suggest their potential role in ACS pathogenesis.
- Antigenic stimulation is implied by activated T-lymphocytes, but the specific antigens driving this response in atherosclerosis require further investigation.
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