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Pyroptotic cell-derived microparticle: An atherogenic factor in infectious diseases
Shao-Wei Sun1, Wen-Juan Tong2, Gui-Qiong Zheng1
1Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Chronic infection is considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis. The link between infectious agents and atherosclerosis is manifested by the presence of infection-induced pyroptotic cells in atherosclerotic lesions. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of programmed cell death that occurs most frequently upon infection. However, inflammation is not the only cause by which pyroptosis involved in atherosclerosis. During pyroptosis, a large amount of microparticles are released from pyroptotic cells, which not only transfer inflammatory mediators to arterial vessel, but also mediate the interaction between a variety of cells, leading to endothelial injury, macrophage infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, thereby accelerating atherosclerosis. Thus, we proposed hypothesis that pyroptotic cell-derived microparticle is an atherogenic factor in infectious diseases.
Insights
Chronic infections accelerate atherosclerosis. Pyroptotic cell-derived microparticles, released during programmed cell death, promote atherosclerotic lesion development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic infections are linked to atherosclerosis development.
- Infectious agents trigger pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory programmed cell death.
- Pyroptotic cells are found in atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting a role in the disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of pyroptotic cell-derived microparticles in atherosclerosis.
- To test the hypothesis that these microparticles are atherogenic factors in infectious diseases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pyroptotic cells and their microparticle release in atherosclerotic lesions.
- Investigating the impact of microparticles on endothelial cells, macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle cells.
Main Results:
- Pyroptosis is induced by infectious agents and occurs in atherosclerotic lesions.
- Microparticles released during pyroptosis transfer inflammatory mediators.
- These microparticles mediate cell-cell interactions, causing endothelial injury and promoting atherosclerotic progression.
Conclusions:
- Pyroptotic cell-derived microparticles are a significant atherogenic factor in infectious diseases.
- Targeting pyroptosis or its microparticle release may offer therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.
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