T cell subsets and functions in atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Inflammation

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory arterial disease and a primary cause of cardiovascular disease.
• T cells are increasingly recognized as key modulators of atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
• Existing research highlights pro-atherogenic roles for T helper 1 (T_H1) cells and anti-atherogenic roles for regulatory T (T_reg) cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on T cell subsets and their functions in atherosclerosis.
• To explore the process of T cell homing to atherosclerotic plaques.
• To discuss the translational challenges and therapeutic potential of targeting T cells in atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vivo imaging, cell-lineage tracing, knockout studies in mice.
• Analysis of clinical interventional studies and mRNA sequencing techniques.
• Synthesis of existing literature on T cell subsets and atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

• CD4⁺ T cells are prevalent in atherosclerotic plaques.
• The roles of various T helper subsets (T_H2, T_H9, T_H17, T_H22, follicular helper T cells, CD28^null T cells), CD8⁺ T cells, and γδ T cells in atherosclerosis are not fully understood.
• Some T cells exhibit dual pro- and anti-atherogenic functions, complicating their overall impact.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the diverse functions of T cell subsets in atherosclerosis is crucial.
• Translating findings from experimental models to human disease requires further investigation.
• T cells and their associated cytokines represent promising targets for novel atherosclerosis therapies.