Regulatory T cells as a new therapeutic target for atherosclerosis

• 来源期刊: 中国药理学报（英文版）
• 关键词: atherosclerosis cardiovascular diseases regulatory T cells immune regulation treatment strategy
• 年，卷（期）: 2018,（8）
• 页码范围: 1249-1258
• 页数: 10页
• 语种: 英文
• DOI: 10.1038/aps.2017.140

摘要

Atherosclerosis is an autoimmune disease caused by self-and non-self-antigens contributing to excessive activation of T and B cell immune responses.These responses further aggravate vascular inflammation and promote progression of atherosclerosis and vulnerability to plaques via releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines.Regulatory T cells (Tregs) as the major immunoregulatory cells,in particular,induce and maintain immune homeostasis and tolerance by suppressing the immune responses of various cells such as T and B cells,natural killer (NK) cells,monocytes,and dendritic cells (DCs),as well as by secreting inhibitory cytokines interleukin (IL)-10,IL-35 and transcription growth factor β (TGF-β) in both physiological and pathological states.Numerous evidence demonstrates that reduced numbers and dysfunction of Treg may be involveved in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.Increasing or restoring the numbers and improving the immunosuppressive capacity of Tregs may serve as a fundamental immunotherapy to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.In this article,we briefly present current knowledge of Treg subsets,summarize the relationship between Tregs and atherosclerosis development,and discuss the possibilities of regulating Tregs for prevention of atherosclerosis pathogenesis and enhancement of plaque stability.Although the exact molecular mechanisms of Treg-mediated protection against atherosclerosis remain to be elucidated,the strategies for targeting the regulation of Tregs may provide specific and significant approaches for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.