oxLDL Receptor in Lymphocytes Prevents Atherosclerosis and Predicts Subclinical Disease

Background: Although the role of Th17 and regulatory T (Tregs) cells in the progression of atherosclerosis has been highlighted in recent years, their molecular mediators remain elusive. We aimed to evaluate the association between the CD69 receptor, a regulator of Th17/Treg immunity, and atherosclerosis development in animal models and in patients with subclinical disease. Methods: Ldl receptor-deficient chimeric mice expressing or not CD69 either on myeloid or lymphoid cells, were subjected to high fat diet (HFD). In vitro functional assays with human T cells were performed to decipher the mechanism of the observed phenotypes. Expression of CD69 and NR4A nuclear receptors was evaluated by RT-PCR in 305 male participants of the Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis (PESA) study, with extensive (n=128) or focal (n=55) subclinical atherosclerosis and without disease (n=122). Results: After HFD, mice lacking CD69 on lymphoid cells developed large atheroma plaque along with an increased Th17/Treg ...