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Heartbreakers or Healers? Innate Lymphoid Cells in Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity
Luke B Roberts1, Graham M Lord1,2, Jane K Howard3
1School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Insights
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play complex roles in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review explores their pathological and protective functions, particularly concerning obesity-related inflammation and CVD development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Metabolic Disease Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of premature death globally, imposing significant healthcare costs.
- Obesity and metabolic inflammation are key risk factors for CVD development.
- Immune responses, including those from innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), are crucial in CVD pathogenesis and resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathological and protective roles of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- To examine the influence of ILCs in the context of obesity, a major CVD risk factor.
Main Methods:
- This mini-review synthesizes current scientific literature and evidence.
- Focuses on the immunological functions of ILCs within the cardiovascular system.
- Explores the interplay between ILCs, inflammation, and CVD development.
Main Results:
- Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are present in cardiovascular tissues and contribute to both health and disease.
- ILCs can promote inflammatory responses contributing to CVD development and progression.
- Evidence also suggests potential protective roles for ILCs in certain cardiovascular contexts.
Conclusions:
- Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) represent a significant, yet understudied, component of cardiovascular health and disease.
- Understanding ILC functions in CVD, especially in obesity, is critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the dual roles of ILCs in cardiovascular pathology and protection.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for most pre-mature deaths worldwide, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease and its associated costs to individuals and healthcare systems. Obesity and associated metabolic inflammation underlie development of several major health conditions which act as direct risk factors for development of CVDs. Immune system responses contribute greatly to CVD development and progression, as well as disease resolution. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a family of helper-like and cytotoxic lymphocytes, typically enriched at barrier sites such as the skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract. However, recent studies indicate that most solid organs and tissues are home to resident populations of ILCs - including those of the cardiovascular system. Despite their relative rarity, ILCs contribute to many important biological effects during health, whilst promoting inflammatory responses during tissue damage and disease. This mini review will discuss the evidence for pathological and protective roles of ILCs in CVD, and its associated risk factor, obesity.
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