Age-Associated Characteristics of CD4+ T-Cell Composition in Patients with Atherosclerosis

Background. We aimed to analyze the contents of main CD4+ T-cell subsets in patients with atherosclerosis (AS) depending on age. Methods. Male coronary and/or carotid AS, who are non-smokers, and receiving statins were divided into three age groups (I—<55 y.o. (n = 23), II—55–64 42), III—≥65 46)). Leukocyte phenotyping was performed by direct immunofluorescence flow cytometry. For intracellular cytokine detection, blood mononuclear cells pre-activated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate ionomycin presence an vesicle transport blocker monensin. Results. The did not differ traditional CVD risk factors AS severity. content T-cells lower group III II than I. CD4+CD25high Treg I II. No differences quantities primed CD39+CD45RA− CD278high Treg, CD4+INFγ+ Th1, CD4+IL17+ Th17, CD4+IL17+INFγ+ Th1/17 observed. There negative correlations between values T-cells, CD4+CD45RA+ CD4+CD25highCD45RA+ Conclusion. In age-related depletion naive also extends regulatory compartment. This phenomenon should be considered when studying impact immune progression AS.