Ex-T Regulatory Cells Contribute to the Inflammation Driving Atherosclerosis

Researchers here report on their investigation of a problem T cell subpopulation in the context of atherosclerosis and the inflammation that is characteristic of that condition. These T cells appear to be maladapted forms of regulatory T cell, gone rogue and producing harmful inflammatory signaling in response to the environment of an atherosclerotic plaque. There is considerable interest in finding approaches to modulate immune activity to dampen the pace at which atherosclerotic plaques come into being and grow, though much of this centers on the role of the innate immune cells known as macrophages. Once inflammation gets underway, however, any and all immune cells might be drawn in to become involved in ways that contribute to pathology, as this research illustrates. T regulatory cells (Tregs) have the important job of stopping the other T cells from releasing too many inflammatory, or cytotoxic, molecules as they fight infection. Some T cells contribute to atherosclerosis by attacking a molecule called apolipoprotein B (APOB), the main component in the "bad" cholesterol that builds up into dangerous plaques in the arteries. These T cells ramp up their attacks as atherosclerosis worsens, likely adding to inflammation in the arteries. The weird thing is that these T cells look a lot like the normally helpful Tregs. A new study reveals the true identities of these cells: they are exTregs. ExTregs are like zombie Tregs. They've gone through a genetic "deprogramming" ...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs