Elastin-Specific Autoimmunity in Smokers With Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection is Independent of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

ABSTRACT: Background Thoracic aortic aneurysm ( TAA ) and dissection ( TAD ) are characterized by progressive disorganization of the aortic wall matrix, including elastin, a highly immunogenic molecule. Whether acquired autoimmune responses can be detected in TAA / TAD patients who are smokers is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine whether TAA / TAD smokers have increased T-cell responses to human elastin fragments, and to determine whether autoimmune responses in TAA / TAD smokers are dependent on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods and Results In a cross-sectional study (N=86), we examined peripheral blood CD 4⁺ T cell responses to elastin fragments in never-, former-, or current-smokers with or without TAA / TAD . CD 4⁺ T cells were co-cultured

SUBMITTER: Gu BH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6507218 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature