Visceral adipose tissue regulatory T cells: A potential new target for treating atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the primary potential contributor to cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that obesity (OB)-induced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation is closely related to AS. This VAT inflammation can cause excessive proinflammatory cytokines and adipokines to enter the blood circulation, resulting in an accumulation of immune cells and proinflammatory cytokines within the arterial wall, thereby leading to vascular dysfunction and facilitating the formation of AS. Studies in animal models suggest that regulatory T cells (Tregs) present in VAT have the function of inhibiting VAT inflammation and improving metabolic disorders, thereby reducing the risk factors that induce AS. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms by which VAT-Treg regulate VAT inflammation, as well as relevant methods and drugs to enhance Tregs. This aims to provide a reference for assisting in the treatment of AS.