Expansion of T-cell receptor zeta dim effector T cells in acute coronary syndromes

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008 Dec;28(12):2305-11. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.108.174144. Epub 2008 Sep 11.

Abstract

Objective: The T-cell receptor zeta (TCR zeta)-chain is a master sensor and regulator of lymphocyte responses. Loss of TCR zeta-chain expression has been documented during infectious and inflammatory diseases and defines a population of effector T cells (TCR zeta(dim) T cells) that migrate to inflamed tissues. We assessed the expression and functional correlates of circulating TCR zeta(dim) T cells in coronary artery disease.

Methods and results: We examined the expression of TCR zeta-chain by flow cytometry in 140 subjects. Increased peripheral blood CD4(+) TCR zeta(dim) T cells were found in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS, n=66; median 5.3%, interquartile 2.6 to 9.1% of total CD4(+) T cells; P<0.0001) compared to chronic stable angina (CSA, n=32; 1.6%; 1.0 to 4.1%) and controls (n=42; 1.5%; 0.5 to 2.9%). Such increase was significantly greater in ACS patients with elevated levels of C-reactive protein, and it persisted after the acute event. Moreover, TCR zeta(dim) cells were also more represented within CD8(+) T cell, NK, and CD4(+)CD28(null) T cell subsets in ACS compared to CSA and controls. Finally, CD4(+) and CD8(+) TCR zeta(dim) T cells isolated from ACS displayed an enhanced transendothelial migratory capacity.

Conclusions: TCR zeta(dim) T cells, an effector T-cell subset with transendothelial migratory ability, are increased in ACS, and may be implicated in coronary instability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / etiology
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / immunology*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angina Pectoris / immunology
  • Atherosclerosis / etiology
  • Atherosclerosis / immunology
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • antigen T cell receptor, zeta chain
  • C-Reactive Protein