Single-Cell Transcriptomics of Human Pericarotid Lymph Nodes Indicating Stability of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The link between lymph node (LN) function and atherosclerosis is unclear, especially at the single-cell level. This study explores the relationship between pericarotid LNs and plaque stability using single-cell transcriptome analysis.

Methods

We enrolled 106 patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy. We recorded baseline clinical data and pericarotid LN size, and analyzed plaque composition to assess its association with enlarged LNs. Single-cell transcriptome and T/B-cell receptor sequencing were used to profile pericarotid LNs.

Results

Patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis had more enlarged pericarotid LNs (P<0.001), indicating plaque instability. This was characterized by increased inflamma

SUBMITTER: Sun T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12554399 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature