Cytotoxic and Proinflammatory CD8 ⁺ T Lymphocytes Promote Development of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques in ApoE-Deficient Mice

Abstract

We conclude that CD8(+) T lymphocytes promote the development of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques by perforin- and granzyme B-mediated apoptosis of macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells that, in turn, leads to necrotic core formation and further augments inflammation by tumor necrosis factor α secretion.