Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
09:29
Isolation and Adoptive Transfer of High Salt Treated Antigen-presenting Dendritic Cells
Published on: March 5, 2019
6.0K
Hypertension as an Immune Disorder: From Cellular Drivers to Molecular Mediators
Kuniko Hunter1, David G Harrison1
1Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Immunological Reviews
|January 6, 2026
Summary
Immune system dysregulation drives hypertension and organ damage. Targeting immune responses, like those involving isolevuglandin (IsoLG)-adducted peptides, offers new therapeutic strategies for high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Hypertension affects nearly half of adults globally, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
- Growing evidence highlights immune dysregulation as a key factor in hypertension and end-organ damage, beyond traditional hemodynamic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving understanding of immune system involvement in hypertension.
- To explore novel therapeutic targets within immune-mediated pathways.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of experimental models and human studies.
- Review of research on immune cell infiltration, mediator release, and antigen presentation in hypertension.
- Examination of isolevuglandin (IsoLG)-adducted neoantigens and their role in T cell activation.
Main Results:
- Immune cells (T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages) infiltrate organs, releasing inflammatory mediators.
- Isolevuglandin (IsoLG)-adducted neoantigens drive antigen-dependent T cell activation.
- Endothelial cells act as antigen-presenting cells, modulating immune responses.
- CD8+ T cells, immune memory, and altered sympathetic tone contribute to hypertension perpetuation.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between the immune system and hypertension is critical.
- Targeting immune mechanisms presents novel therapeutic opportunities for hypertension and associated end-organ damage.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
771
Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
771
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
3.7K
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
3.7K
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
462
Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
462
01:28Hypertension I: Introduction
729
Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
729
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
1.4K
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
1.4K
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
1.4K
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
1.4K