T cells in atherosclerosis

Kevin Tse, Harley Tse, John Sidney, Alex Sette, Klaus Ley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

125 Scopus citations

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the artery wall. Atherosclerotic lesions contain monocytes, macrophages, smooth muscle cells and T lymphocytes. Here, we review the role of T-lymphocyte subsets in atherosclerosis. Among CD4+ T cells, Th1 cells are pro-atherogenic, Treg cells are athero-protective and the role of Th2 and Th17 cells remains unclear. The role of follicular helper T cells in atherosclerosis remains unknown, as is the role of CD8+ T cells. NKT cells bind glycolipid antigens and exert a pro-atherogenic role. The antigen specificity of T-cell responses in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. In order to enable antigen-specific prevention or therapy, a better understanding of these mechanisms is needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberdxt043
Pages (from-to)615-622
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Immunology
Volume25
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Inflammation
  • T cell

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'T cells in atherosclerosis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this