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Updated: May 6, 2026

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas
Published on: July 1, 2011
T cells in atherosclerosis
Kevin Tse1, Harley Tse, John Sidney
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California at San Diego Medical Center, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the artery wall. Atherosclerotic lesions contain monocytes, macrophages, smooth muscle cells and T lymphocytes. Here, we review the role of T-lymphocyte subsets in atherosclerosis. Among CD4⁺T cells, T(h)1 cells are pro-atherogenic, T(reg) cells are athero-protective and the role of T(h)2 and T(h)17 cells remains unclear. The role of follicular helper T cells in atherosclerosis remains unknown, as is the role of CD8⁺T cells. NKT cells bind glycolipid antigens and exert a pro-atherogenic role. The antigen specificity of T-cell responses in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. In order to enable antigen-specific prevention or therapy, a better understanding of these mechanisms is needed.
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