Regulatory T Cells Modulate Postischemic Neovascularization

Background— CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes are key regulators of postischemic neovascularization. T-cell activation is promoted by 2 major costimulatory signalings, the B7/CD28 and CD40–CD40 ligand pathways. Interestingly, CD28 interactions with the structurally related ligands B7-1 and B7-2 are also required for the generation and homeostasis of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which play a critical role in the suppression of immune responses and the control of T-cell homeostasis. We hypothesized that Treg cell activation may modulate the immunoinflammatory response to ischemic injury, leading to alteration of postischemic vessel growth. Methods and Results— Ischemia was induced by right femoral artery ligation in CD28-, B7-1/2–, or CD40-deficient mice (n=10 per group). CD40 deficiency led to a significant reduction in the postischemic inflammatory response and vessel growth. In contrast, at day 21 after ischemia, angiographic score, foot perfusion, and capillary density were increased by 2.0-, 1....