Characterization of CD8 super(+)CD57 super(+) T cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction

• Published in: Cellular & molecular immunology 2015-07, Vol.12 (4), p.466-473
• Main Authors: Tae Yu, Hee, Youn, Jong-Chan, Lee, Jino, Park, Seunghyun, Chi, Ho-Seok, Lee, Jungsul, Choi, Chulhee, Park, Sungha, Choi, Donghoon, Ha, Jong-Won, Shin, Eui-Cheol
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1672-7681
• DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.74

Although T cells are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, it is unclear which subpopulation of T cells contributes to pathogenesis in acute myocardial infarction (MI). We studied the immunological characteristics and clinical impact of CD8 super(+)CD57 super(+) T cells in acute MI patients. The frequency of CD57 super(+) cells among CD8 super(+) T cells was examined in peripheral blood sampled the morning after acute MI events. Interestingly, the frequency of CD57 super(+) cells in the CD8 super(+) T-cell population correlated with cardiovascular mortality 6 months after acute MI. The immunological characteristics of CD8 super(+)CD57 super(+) T cells were elucidated by surface immunophenotyping, intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. Immunophenotyping revealed that the CD8 super(+)CD57 super(+) T cells were activated, senescent T cells with pro-inflammatory and tissue homing properties. Because a high frequency of CD8 super(+)CD57 super(+) T cells is associated with short-term cardiovascular mortality in acute MI patients, this specific subset of CD8 super(+) T cells might contribute to acute coronary events via their pro-inflammatory and high cytotoxic capacities. Identification of a pathogenic CD8 super(+) T-cell subset expressing CD57 may offer opportunities for the evaluation and management of acute MI.Cellular & Molecular Immunology advance online publication, 25 August 2014; doi:10.1038/cmi.2014.74