A T cell is a type of immune cell that normally helps reduce inflammation in the body. But a new study found that when T cells go haywire in atherosclerosis, they secrete immune molecules called cytokines that increase inflammation and further narrow diseased arteries.
T cells recognize pieces of protein that can influence LDL cholesterol. Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, LDL is important for transporting fat molecules in the body, but too much LDL contributes to the plaques that narrow arteries in atherosclerosis. Using a tracking method to identify T cell targets on ApoB, the protein backbone of LDL cholesterol, researchers discovered how these cells end up increasing and exacerbating inflammation.
The researchers also saw a similar phenomenon in mice with atherosclerosis and in patients with coronary artery disease. They also found that both genetics and diet can play a role in shifting these T cells from being helpers to pathogenic cells in mice. The study, published in the journal Circulation, was funded by NHLBI.