Biology subjects

Lye, Y. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Lye, Y. E..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Immune-Mediated Necrotic Cell Death Initiated by Stressed Cardiomyocytes is a Major Contributor to Cardiomyocyte Loss Following Myocardial Infarction

AimsPercutaneous coronary intervention has improved survival following myocardial infarction, yet strategies to further reduce infarct size are limited. This study investigates the role of cytotoxic {gamma}{delta}-T cells in ischemic cardiomyocyte death and potential therapeutic interventions to reduce infarct size. MethodsGenetic and pharmacological approaches were used to delete {gamma}{delta}-T cells and their specific proteins to assess their involvement in cardiomyocyte death using mouse models of permanent ligation (PL) and ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Results{gamma}{delta}-T cells accumulated in infarct zones within 6h post-PL, expressing IFN-{gamma}, TNF-, granzyme B, and perforin. Their deletion reduced infarct size by 73% (PL) and 64% (IR). They induced cardiomyocyte death via apoptosis, gasdermin E-dependent pyroptosis, and MLKL-dependent necroptosis; {gamma}{delta}-T cell depletion reduced apoptosis by 80% and pyroptosis by 38%, with perforin deletion yielding similar effects. Necroptosis, attributed to combined IFN-{gamma}/TNF- cytotoxicity, decreased by 67%. Cytoplasmic DNA (cDNA) in stressed cardiomyocytes activated the cGAS/STING pathway, inducing expression of chemoattractant MCP-1 and death signal RAE-1. These signals recruited and activated {gamma}{delta}-T cells, which then triggered the death of the stressed cardiomyocytes. STING inhibition suppressed these expressions, reducing {gamma}{delta}-T cell accumulation and infarct size. NKG2D-deficient {gamma}{delta}-T cells prevented activation and reduced infarct size. Administration of an anti-IFNAR antibody at PL onset markedly reduced infarct size. ConclusionEarly activation of cytotoxic {gamma}{delta}-T cells via cardiomyocyte stress signals contributes significantly to immunogenic cardiomyocyte death. Targeting the STING pathway and type I interferon signalling presents a promising therapeutic avenue to mitigate infarct size and improve outcomes.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2025

CD27+ γδ T Cells Drive Plaque Instability in Advanced Atherosclerosis: Targeting CXCR3 for Therapeutic Intervention

BackgroundAtherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall that underlies most myocardial Ischaemic events. While multiple immune subsets contribute to plaque progression and instability, the role of {gamma}{delta} T cells remains poorly understood. We examined the contribution of {gamma}{delta} T cells to lesion development, progression and instability, and explored the therapeutic potential of their pharmacological blockade. MethodsTo investigate the role of {gamma}{delta} T cells, chimeric atherosclerosis-prone mice lacking {gamma}{delta} T cells were utilized in both loss- and gain-of-function experiments. Mixed bone marrow chimeras were generated to assess the role of {gamma}{delta} T cell-derived interferon-{gamma} (IFN-{gamma}) and perforin (Pfp). The therapeutic efficacy of AMG487 on plaque stability was evaluated in a preclinical tandem-stenosis mouse model. Lesion size, plaque composition, and stability were assessed using histology, immunoassays, and molecular biology techniques. ResultsCD27+ {gamma}{delta} T cells accumulated in atherosclerotic lesions and promoted plaque progression and instability via IFN-{gamma}- and Pfp-dependent manners. As early infiltrators, they amplified necrosis and inflammation by enhancing immune cell recruitment, thereby exacerbating lesion vulnerability. CXCR3 antagonism with AMG487 inhibited {gamma}{delta} T cell recruitment to plaques, reduced lesion size, and promoted features of plaque stability, including increased smooth muscle cell content and thicker fibrous caps. ConclusionsCD27 {gamma}{delta} T cells, which promote inflammation and necrosis through both direct and indirect mechanisms, are key drivers of plaque progression and instability. Targeting their recruitment via CXCR3 blockade enhances plaque stability and may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

immunology↗