Adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells reactive to modified low-density lipoprotein aggravates atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is associated with immune responses to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The presence of activated macrophages and T cells in lesions suggests that cell-mediated immune reactions are taking place during the disease process. However, the role of specific immune responses has remained unclear. We have previously shown that transfer of CD4+ T cells from apolipoprotein E knockout mice (apoE(-/-)) into immunodeficient apoE(-/-) scid/scid mice accelerates disease.

To test whether this effect is dependent on specific disease-associated antigens, purified CD4+ T cells from oxLDL-immunized mice were transferred into apoE(-/-) scid/scid mice. CD4+ T cells from mice immunized with a nonrelevant antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and naïve CD4+ T cells were used as controls. After 12 weeks, all mice that received T cells had larger lesions than untouched apoE(-/-) scid/scid controls. However, mice receiving CD4+ T cells from oxLDL immunized mice had substantially accelerated lesion progression compared with those receiving naive or KLH-primed T cells. Circulating levels of interferon-gamma were increased in proportion to the acceleration of atherosclerosis.

These data show that adoptive transfer of purified CD4+ T cells from oxLDL-immunized mice accelerates atherosclerosis. They support the notion that Th1 cellular immunity is proatherogenic and identify oxLDL as a culprit autoantigen.