The roles of immune cells in atherosclerotic calcification

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of acute cardiovascular events, and vascular calcification is an important pathological phenomenon in atherosclerosis. Recently, many studies have shown that immune cells are closely associated with the development of atherosclerosis and calcification, but there are many conflicting viewpoints because of immune system complications, such as the pro-atherosclerotic and atheroprotective effects of regulatory B cells (Bregs), T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. In this review, we summarize the studies on the roles of immune cells, especially lymphocytes and macrophages, in atherosclerotic calcification. Furthermore, we prepared graphs showing the relationship between T cells, B cells and macrophages and atherosclerotic calcification. Finally, we highlight some potential issues that are closely associated with the function of immune cells in atherosclerotic calcification. Based on current research results, this review summarizes the relationship between immune cells and atherosclerotic calcification, and it will be beneficial to understand the relationship of immune cells and atherosclerotic calcification.

Pravastatin promotes type 2 diabetes vascular calcification through activating intestinal Bacteroides fragilis to induce macrophage M1 polarization

“…VC is a chronic inflammatory disease that is closely related to the abnormal activation of macrophages, B cells, T cells, and other immune cells 17 . We previously confirmed that peripheral macrophages in T2D patients are prone to polarize into the M1 phenotype and secrete inflammatory factors and extracellular vesicles to promote VC 18–20 .…”