Heterogeneity of T cells in atherosclerosis defined by single-cell RNA-sequencing and cytometry by time of flight

Abstract: The infiltration and accumulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory leukocytes within the intimal layer of the arterial wall is a hallmark of developing and progressing atherosclerosis. While traditionally perceived as macrophage- and foam cell-dominated disease, it is now established that atherosclerosis is a partial autoimmune disease that involves the recognition of peptides from ApoB (apolipoprotein B), the core protein of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol particles, by CD4+ T-helper cells and autoantibodies against LDL and ApoB. Autoimmunity in the atherosclerotic plaque has long been understood as a pathogenic T-helper type-1 driven response with proinflammatory cytokine secretion. Recent developments in high-parametric cell immunophenotyping by mass cytometry, single-cell RNA-sequencing, and in tools exploring antigen-specificity have established the existence of several unforeseen layers of T-cell diversity with mixed TH1 and T regulatory cells transcriptional programs and unpredicted fates. These findings suggest that pathogenic ApoB-reactive T cells evolve from atheroprotective and immunosuppressive CD4+ T regulatory cells that lose their protective properties over time. Here, we discuss T-cell heterogeneity in atherosclerosis with a focus on plasticity, antigen-specificity, exhaustion, maturation, tissue residency, and its potential use in clinical prediction

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology. - 41, 2 (2021) , 549–563, ISSN: 1524-4636

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2021
• Creator: Winkels, Holger ; Wolf, Dennis

Further information

• DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.312137
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1749361
• Rights: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:51 AM CEST