FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
Recently, Patel et al. reported that FOXP3 positive T cells are abundantly present in unstable atherosclerotic plaques. However, there is also evidence from immunohistochemical studies in humans, as well as experimental animal studies that their numbers are in fact relatively low. Since Treg are able to dampen tissue immune responses, their low numbers in plaques could be responsible for the ongoing inflammation that characterizes atherosclerosis.
de Boer
Onno J
OJ
van der Wal
Allard C
AC
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000473:pathology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000473:pathology*
D015415:Biomarkers; C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors