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The roles of immune cells in atherosclerotic calcification

Jingsong Cao1,2, Xuyu Zu1, Jianghua Liu1,2,3

  • 1Clinical Medicine Research Center, 574417The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China.

Vascular
|July 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, play a complex role in the development of vascular calcification during atherosclerosis. This review clarifies their dual pro-atherosclerotic and atheroprotective effects, aiding understanding of cardiovascular disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a primary driver of acute cardiovascular events.
  • Vascular calcification is a key pathological feature of atherosclerosis.
  • Immune cell involvement in atherosclerosis and calcification is complex and debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of immune cells, particularly lymphocytes and macrophages, in atherosclerotic calcification.
  • To elucidate the conflicting viewpoints on immune cell functions in this process.
  • To provide a comprehensive summary of current research findings.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating immune cells in atherosclerotic calcification.
  • Graphical representation of the relationships between T cells, B cells, macrophages, and atherosclerotic calcification.
  • Analysis of conflicting data regarding immune cell functions.

Main Results:

  • Immune cells, including regulatory B cells (Bregs), T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, and T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, exhibit both pro-atherosclerotic and atheroprotective effects.
  • Macrophages are significantly implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification.
  • The complex interactions between different immune cell subsets influence calcification outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Immune cell activity is intricately linked to the development and progression of atherosclerotic calcification.
  • Understanding these complex immune interactions is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • Further research is needed to resolve conflicting data and harness immune cells for therapeutic benefit.

Keywords:
Immune cellsatheroprotectiveatherosclerotic calcificationpro-atherosclerotic

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