Regulatory T cells prevent plaque disruption in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Atherosclerosis

Background:

• CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are implicated in atherogenesis.
• Atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by inflammation and matrix degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dose-dependent effects of Tregs on atherosclerotic plaque stability.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which Tregs stabilize plaques.

Main Methods:

• A vulnerable carotid plaque model was established in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-/-) mice.
• Mice received varying doses of Tregs, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or placebo.
• Histopathological analysis assessed plaque disruption, composition, and molecular markers.

Main Results:

• Tregs treatment dose-dependently reduced plaque disruption and vulnerability.
• Tregs decreased macrophages and lipids while increasing smooth muscle cells and collagen.
• Tregs inhibited inflammatory cytokines, MMP-2, and MMP-9, and enhanced P4Hα1 expression.

Conclusions:

• Adoptive transfer of Tregs dose-dependently promotes plaque stability in ApoE-/- mice.
• Mechanisms include reduced inflammation and MMPs, and enhanced P4Hα1.
• Tregs represent a promising novel therapy for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.