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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat
Published on: February 4, 2021
Autoimmune valvular carditis
Elise R Breed1, Bryce A Binstadt
1Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, 2-114 Wallin Medical Biosciences Building, 2101 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA.
Abstract:
Autoimmune carditis is associated with many human rheumatic conditions, including rheumatic fever, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. The immune mechanisms that mediate the cardiovascular pathology connected to these diseases are poorly defined. Several animal models are used to recapitulate human pathophysiology in order to better characterize the immunopathogenic mechanisms driving autoimmune endocardial inflammation. These animal models point toward common mechanisms mediating autoimmune endocarditis; in particular, CD4+ T cells and pro-inflammatory macrophages play critical roles in directing the disease process. The goals of this review are to discuss the prevailing animal models of autoimmune endocarditis and their underlying immunologic mechanisms and to provide insight regarding potential therapeutic targets in humans.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

