Targeting regulatory T cells for cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The CVDs are accompanied by inflammatory progression, resulting in innate and adaptive immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an immunosuppressive function and are one of the subsets of CD4(+)T cells that play a crucial role in inflammatory diseases. Whether using Tregs as a biomarker for CVDs or targeting Tregs to exert cardioprotective functions by regulating immune balance, suppressing inflammation, suppressing cardiac and vascular remodeling, mediating immune tolerance, and promoting cardiac regeneration in the treatment of CVDs has become an emerging research focus. However, Tregs have plasticity, and this plastic Tregs lose immunosuppressive function and produce toxic effects on target organs in some diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of Tregs' role and related mechanisms in CVDs, and reports on the research of plasticity Tregs in CVDs, to lay a foundation for further studies targeting Tregs in the prevention and treatment of CVDs.

Automated summary

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of global death and disability, with inflammatory progression and immune responses playing a crucial role. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), as a subset of CD4(+)T cells, have immunosuppressive function and are important in inflammatory diseases. Using Tregs as biomarkers or targeting them for cardioprotective effects by regulating immune balance, suppressing inflammation, and promoting cardiac regeneration has become a research focus in CVD treatment. However, Tregs have plasticity and can lose their immunosuppressive function, causing toxic effects on target organs in certain diseases. This review provides an overview of Tregs' role in CVDs, discusses their plasticity, and lays a foundation for future studies targeting Tregs in CVD prevention and treatment.