T cells in atherosclerosis

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, T_h1 cells are pro-atherogenic, T_reg cells are athero-protective and the role of T_h2 and T_h17 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.