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Published on: September 28, 2015
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Causal relationship between immune cells and aortic aneurysms: a Mendelian randomization study.
Bitao Xiang1,2,3, Jia Li1,2, Yao Deng1,2
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Summary
This study used genetic data to find a causal link between specific immune cell traits and aortic aneurysm risk. Findings suggest CD20 on B cells and CD127 on T cells may increase abdominal aortic aneurysm risk.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Disease
Background:
- The relationship between immune cell characteristics and aortic aneurysm development is not well understood.
- Aortic aneurysms, including abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), are serious vascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal associations between a large set of immune cell traits and the risk of AAA and TAA.
- To identify specific immune phenotypes that may contribute to the development of aortic aneurysms.
Main Methods:
- A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was employed using publicly available genetic data.
- Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger intercept were used to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.
- Multivariable Mendelian randomization and meta-analysis were conducted for further validation.
Main Results:
- Twenty immune phenotypes showed suggestive causal effects on AAA, and 15 on TAA.
- CD20 on IgD+ CD38- B cells and CD127 on CD28+ CD4+ T cells were significantly associated with increased AAA risk after FDR adjustment.
- The association between CD20 on B cells and AAA remained significant after adjusting for lipids and smoking, confirmed by meta-analysis.
Conclusions:
- This genetic study establishes a causal association between specific immune cell traits and aortic aneurysm.
- The findings highlight potential immune pathways involved in aortic aneurysm pathogenesis, opening new avenues for mechanistic research.
