The aorta can act as a site of naıve CD41 T-cell priming

Journal article

Aims - Aortic adaptive immunity plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis; however, the precise mechanisms leading to T cell activation in the arterial wall remain poorly understood. Methods and Results - Here we have identified naïve T cells in the aorta of wild-type and TCR transgenic mice and we demonstrate that naïve T cells can be primed directly in the vessel wall with a similar activation profile to splenic and lymphoid T cells. Aortic homing of naïve T cells is regulated at least in part by the P-selectin glycosylated ligand-1 (PSGL-1) receptor. In experimental atherosclerosis the aorta supports CD4+ T cell activation selectively driving Th1 polarization. By contrast, secondary lymphoid organs display Treg expansion. Conclusions - Our results demonstrate that the aorta can support T cell priming and that naïve T cells traffic between the circulation and vessel wall. These data underpin the paradigm that local priming of T cells specific for plaque antigens contributes to atherosclerosis progression.

Authors: Macritchie, N; Grassia, G; Noonan, J; Cole, J; Hughes, C

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Journal: Cardiovascular Research
• Article number: cvz102
• Publication date: 2019-04-13
• Acceptance date: 2019-04-09
• DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz102
• ISSN: 1755-3245
• Keywords: aorta; priming; atherosclerosis; FFR; t cells