Ischemia/reperfusion injury: The role of immune cells

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an inflammatory condition that is characterized by innate immunity and an adaptive immune response. This review is focused on the acute inflammatory response in I/R injury, and also the adaptive immunological mechanisms in chronic ischemic disease that lead to increased vulnerability during acute events, in relation to the cell types that have been shown to mediate innate immunity to an adaptive immune response in I/R, specifically myocardial infarction. Novel aspects are also highlighted in respect to the mechanisms within the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular risk factors that may be involved in the inflammatory response accompanying myocardial infarction. Experimental myocardial I/R has suggested that immune cells may mediate reperfusion injury. Specifically, monocytes, macrophages, T-cells, mast cells, platelets and endothelial cells are discussed with reference to the complement cascade, toll-like receptors, cytokines, oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin system, and in reference to the microvascular system in the signaling mechanisms of I/R. Finally, the findings of the data summarized in this review are most important for possible translation into clinical cardiology practice and possible avenues for drug development.