Low Blood Content of IL-10-Producing CD4⁺ T Cells as a Risk Factor for Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis

In a 2-year prospective study, prognostic significance of the blood content of IL-10-producing CD4⁺ T lymphocytes for progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis was assessed. Patients with verified stable angina (n=36) admitted for scheduled coronary angiography and coronary stenting were enrolled. The blood levels of CD4⁺FoxpP3⁺ Treg, CD4⁺IFNγ⁺ Th1, CD4⁺IL17⁺ Th17, CD4⁺IL10⁺ cells, sCD25, IL-10, IL-17, C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein (a) were assayed before endovascular interventions. The blood content of CD4⁺IL10⁺ T cells below 3.3% was associated with progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis (OR 12.0 (2.3, 61.0), sensitivity 77%, specificity 78%, p=0.003). No differences in other immunological parameters and common atherosclerosis risk factors in the groups were revealed. We hypothesize that the content of CD4⁺IL10⁺ T cells can be an important predictive marker for the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.