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Updated: May 19, 2026
Isolation and Identification of Extravascular Immune Cells of the Heart
Published on: August 23, 2018
Persistent accumulation of interferon-γ-producing CD8+CD56+ T cells in blood from patients with coronary artery
Ida Bergström1, Karin Backteman, Anna Lundberg
1Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden.
Insights
Coronary artery disease patients show increased CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells, linked to immune aging and potentially worsening atherosclerosis. These cells produce more interferon-gamma, impacting disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests CD8(+) T cell alterations in coronary artery disease (CAD).
- CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells represent a distinct T cell subset with potential roles in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in CD8(+)CD56(+) T cell distribution and phenotype in patients with varying clinical manifestations of CAD.
- To compare these cells between acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stable angina (SA), and control groups.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells in blood samples from ACS (n=30), SA (n=34), and control (n=36) patients.
- Assessment included surface marker expression, apoptosis, and intracellular cytokine production (IFN-γ, TNF).
- Samples were collected pre- and post-intervention (3 and 12 months).
Main Results:
- Proportions of CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells were significantly higher in ACS and SA patients compared to controls, persisting up to 12 months.
- These cells exhibited lower CD28 expression and reduced apoptosis compared to CD8(+)CD56(-) T cells.
- While both subsets produced IFN-γ and TNF, IFN-γ was more concentrated in CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells.
Conclusions:
- Persistent accumulation of CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells in CAD patients resembles immunological aging.
- These cells contribute to an expanded IFN-γ(+) pool, potentially promoting atherosclerosis.
- Understanding these T cell alterations may offer insights into CAD pathogenesis and progression.
Objective:
There is emerging evidence for CD8(+) T cell alterations in blood from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We examined whether the distribution and phenotype of CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells differed according to the clinical manifestation of CAD.
Methods:
Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS, n = 30), stable angina (SA, n = 34) and controls (n = 36) were included. Blood was collected before and up to 12 months after referral for coronary investigation. CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells were assessed by flow cytometry for expression of surface markers, apoptosis, and intracellular expression of cytokines.
Results:
The proportions of CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells were significantly higher in both ACS and SA patients compared with controls, and remained so after 3 and 12 months. This was independent of age, sex, systemic inflammation and cytomegalovirus seropositivity. CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells differed from CD8(+)CD56(-) T cells in terms of lower CD28 expression and fewer apoptotic cells. Both CD8(+) T cell subsets were positive for interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor, although IFN-γ was significantly more confined to the CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells.
Conclusion:
The persistent accumulation of CD8(+)CD56(+) T cells in ACS and SA patients share several features with immunological aging. It also contributes to a larger IFN-γ(+) pool in blood, and may thereby hypothetically drive the atherosclerotic process in a less favorable direction.
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