Modulating the immune response to reduce hypertension-associated cardiovascular damage
Daniel Henrion
Daniel Henrion
Published March 15, 2022
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2022;132(6):e158280. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI158280.
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Commentary

Modulating the immune response to reduce hypertension-associated cardiovascular damage

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Hypertension, a major risk factor for these diseases, remains difficult to treat despite numerous drugs being available. In this issue of the JCI, Failer et al. show that the endogenous antiinflammatory agent developmental endothelial locus-1 (DEL-1) decreased blood pressure and cardiac and aortic hypertrophy in mouse models of hypertension through reduction in αvβ3 integrin–dependent metalloproteinase activity and immune cell recruitment, leading to reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines in cardiovascular tissues. This study offers an alternative in the treatment of hypertension-mediated organ damage through the immunomodulatory effect of DEL-1.

Authors

Daniel Henrion

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Figure 1

DEL-1 protects against hypertension-induced cardiovascular damage.

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DEL-1 protects against hypertension-induced cardiovascular damage. Faile...
Failer et al. (8) demonstrated that the immunomodulator protein DEL-1 reduced αvβ3 integrin–mediated activation of MMP2, leading to decreased inflammation in the heart and in the aorta in hypertension. This protection involved an improvement of the Treg/IL-10 balance and a reduction in immune cell infiltration. The crosstalk between macro- and microcirculation induces a vicious cycle in hypertension, whereas an efficient treatment affecting both could lead to a virtuous circle.