Regulatory T Cells: A New Target of Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Atherosclerosis.
10.1007/s11655-021-2877-9
- Author:
Zhao-Ying LIANG
1
;
Cai-Wen QIAN
2
;
Tao-Hua LAN
1
;
Qiao-Huang ZENG
2
;
Wei-Hui LU
1
;
Wei JIANG
3
,
4
Author Information
1. State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510020, China.
2. The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510020, China.
3. Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Refractory Chronic Diseases, Guangzhou, 510020, China. drjiangwei@
4. com.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Chinese medicine;
atherosclerosis;
immunization;
inflammation;
regulatory T cells
- MeSH:
Animals;
Atherosclerosis/drug therapy*;
Inflammation;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional;
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
- From:
Chinese journal of integrative medicine
2021;27(11):867-873
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Inflammation and immune disorders are integral to the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis (AS). With the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in immune regulation attracting attention, it has been widely accepted that Treg decrease and dysfunction are involved in AS pathogenesis. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of being dual-directional, multi-targeted, and having minimal side effects in immune regulation. The anti-atherosclerosis effects of CM via Treg modulation have been revealed in clinical and animal studies. Therefore, this article reviews existing research on Tregs, the relationship between Tregs and AS, and the progress of CM for treating and prevention of atherosclerotic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases by regulating Tregs. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, CM treatment targeting Treg cells might provide a promising and novel future approach for prevention and treatment of AS.
