Regulatory T cells in cardiovascular diseases

Inflammation is essential in the initial development and progression of many cardiovascular diseases involving innate and adaptive immune responses. The role of CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T (T-REG) cells in the modulation of inflammation and immunity has received increasing attention. Given the important role of T-REG cells in the induction and maintenance of immune homeostasis and tolerance, dysregulation in the generation or function of T-REG cells can trigger abnormal immune responses and lead to pathology. A wealth of evidence from experimental and clinical studies has indicated that T-REG cells might have an important role in protecting against cardiovascular disease, in particular atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. In this Review, we provide an overview of the roles of T-REG cells in the pathogenesis of a number of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischaemic stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, Kawasaki disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction and remodelling, postischaemic neovascularization, myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Although the exact molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of T-REG cells are still to be elucidated, targeted therapies with T-REG cells might provide a promising and novel future approach to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.