Functional and homeostatic defects of regulatory T cells in @entity1 with XXXX .

@entity1 @entity1187 @entity404 @entity2998 @entity6978 @entity379 @entity403 @entity2902 @entity453 @entity688 @entity13796 @entity4386
OBJECTIVE: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are considered atheroprotective, and low levels have been associated with the @entity1187 ( @entity1187 ), particularly non-ST elevation (NSTE)- @entity1187 . However, the functional properties as well as homeostasis of Tregs are mainly unknown in @entity453 ( @entity453 ). Here, we investigated the composition and functional properties of na  ve (n) and memory (m)Tregs in @entity1 with NSTE- @entity1187 and in @entity1 6-12  months post- @entity1187 . METHODS: Based on the expression of @entity2902 , @entity403 , @entity6978 , CD45RA, @entity13796 and @entity4386 , Treg  subsets were defined by flow cytometry in whole blood or isolated @entity404 (+) T cells. The functional properties of nTregs and mTregs were examined in terms of proliferative capacity and modulation of cytokine secretion. To understand the potential consequences of Treg defects, we also investigated correlations with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine secretion and ultrasound-defined @entity2998 . RESULTS: Both NSTE- @entity1187 and post- @entity1187 @entity1 exhibited reduced levels of nTregs (P  <  0.001) compared with healthy control subjects, but without compensatory increases in mTregs. Both nTregs and mTregs from @entity1 showed significantly lower replicative rates and impaired capacity to modulate T-cell proliferation and secretion of @entity379 and @entity688 . The Treg defect was also associated with LPS-induced cytokine secretion and increased burden of @entity2998 . CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate a functional and homeostatic Treg defect in @entity1 with NSTE- @entity1187 and also in stabilized @entity1 6-12  months after @entity1187 . Moreover, this defect was associated with a subclinical proinflammatory and atherogenic state. We believe that the failure to preserve Treg function and homeostasis reflects a need for immune-restoring strategies in @entity453 .
