Fig. 2

T cells contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis in a subset-dependent manner. CD4⁺ T cells begin as inexperienced naïve cells, upon activation through their TCR via interaction with MHC, polarize to a specific activated population due to signals induced by cytokines present within their surrounding microenvironment. Following activation, these cells secrete additional cytokines and express elevated levels of CD40L on their surface providing T cell help to B cells and other immune cells. CD8⁺ T cells function through the secretion of cytokines and conduct immunosurveillance, where they can induce cell death in target cells in a TCR-dependent manner using Granzyme B and Fas-FasL signaling