Role of unusual CD4+ CD28- T cells in acute coronary syndrome.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a group of clinical symptoms that results from complete or partial occlusive thrombus, which is caused by coronary an atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion. According to a recent study, CD4(+) CD28(-) T cells are found in atherosclerotic plaques and the peripheral circulation blood in patients with ACS, these cells play an important role in plaque ruptures. CD4(+) CD28(-) T cells are an unusual subset of helper cells, which expand and have harmful effects in ACS. In this review, we discuss the current issues on the generation of CD4(+) CD28(-) T cells and focus on their phenotypic and functional characteristics relevant to the development of cardiovascular events. Targeting the CD4(+) CD28(-) T cells subset in ACS could provide novel therapeutic means to prevent acute life-threatening coronary events.