Mulholland et al. identify progenitor exhausted T cells, expressing intermediate levels of PD-1 (PD-1int), as a prominent source of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the murine atherosclerotic aorta and potential cellular targets driving checkpoint inhibition-elicited pro-atherosclerotic immune responses. They further demonstrate elevated levels of circulating PD-1-expressing T cells in individuals with subclinical cardiovascular disease.
- Megan Mulholland
- Anthi Chalou
- Daniel Engelbertsen