Single-cell T cell receptor sequencing of paired human atherosclerotic plaques and blood reveals autoimmune-like features of expanded effector T cells

Abstract Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven chronic inflammatory disease; however, whether it can be classified as an autoimmune disease remains unclear. In this study, we applied single-cell T cell receptor seqencing (scTCR-seq) on human carotid artery plaques and matched peripheral blood mononuclear samples to assess the extent of TCR clonality antigen-specific activation within various subsets. We observed highest degree plaque-specific clonal expansion in effector CD4 + cells, these clonally expanded cells expressed genes such CD69 , FOS FOSB indicative recent engagement, suggesting stimulation. CellChat analysis suggested multiple potential interactions with foam cells. Finally, integrated published scTCR-seq dataset psoriatic arthritis, report commonalities between two diseases. conclusion, our data suggest that atherosclerosis has compondent driven by autoreactive