Macrophages Promote Atherosclerosis Development by Inhibiting CD8T Cell Apoptosis

Abstract

Background. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory cardiovascular disease. However, whether the association of immune cells in plaques promotes the progression of this disease has not yet been completely elucidated. Materials and Methods. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between C1q+ macrophages and CD8T cells through scRNA-seq data reanalysis, quantitative real-time PCR, and flow cytometry. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and antibody-blocking experiments were performed to investigate the role of macrophage–CD8T interaction in atherosclerosis. An atherosclerotic mouse model was developed to confirm our findings. Results. Mechanistically, Spi1 expression induced by granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor promoted C1q expression in the macrophages. Moreover, C1q+ macrophages suppressed CD8T cell apoptosis by upregulating Slc7a7 expression to enhance the L-arginine uptake of CD8T cells. CD8T-derived interferon-γ promoted macrophage activation to induce atherosclerosis. Blockade of the C1q–C1qbp axis attenuated atherosclerosis. Conclusion. In conclusion, macrophages interacting with CD8T promote atherosclerosis development via the C1q–C1qbp axis.