CD137 Signaling Modulates Vein Graft Atherosclerosis by Driving T-Cell Activation and Regulating Intraplaque
Alwin de Jong1, Thijs J Sluiter1, Hendrika A B Peters1
1Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
JACC. Basic to Translational Science
|July 30, 2025
Summary
T-cells accumulate and activate in atherosclerotic vein grafts. Targeting CD137 on these T-cells impacts plaque growth, offering a new strategy to prevent vein graft failure.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerotic vein graft failure is a significant clinical challenge.
- T-cells are abundant in atherosclerotic plaques, but their precise role is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of T-cells and CD137 expression in vein graft failure.
- To explore CD137 as a potential therapeutic target for early immunomodulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine model of advanced, unstable atherosclerotic lesions.
- Analyzed T-cell accumulation and activation (CD137 expression) in vein grafts over time.
- Assessed the impact of CD137 targeting on intraplaque angiogenesis and plaque growth.
Main Results:
- T-cells progressively accumulate in atherosclerotic vein grafts.
- T-cell activation, indicated by increased CD137 expression, occurs rapidly post-engraftment.
- Targeting CD137 modulated intraplaque angiogenesis and reduced plaque growth.
Conclusions:
- T-cells play a critical role in the progression of atherosclerotic vein graft disease.
- CD137 is a promising early therapeutic target for immunomodulation to prevent vein graft failure.
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