Abstract Body: Introduction: V-domain Immunoglobulin Suppressor of T-cell Activation (VISTA), a co-inhibitory immune checkpoint protein, is known for regulating adaptive immune responses. Here, we investigated the role of VISTA in atherosclerosis.
Hypothesis: VISTA is constitutively expressed on hematopoietic cells, particularly T cells. VISTA functions as both a ligand and receptor to maintain T cell quiescence. We hypothesize that VISTA expression is protective against plaque formation by inhibiting CD4⁺ T cell activation.
Methods: Cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) was performed on aortic CD45⁺ cells of HCD fed ApoE-/- mice. Spatial transcriptomics (VISIUM) was performed on carotid plaques from patients with either asymptomatic or symptomatic cerebrovascular disease. Plaque burden, characterization, and flow cytometry of blood and lymphoid organs were performed on VISTA^-/-ApoE^-/- (VISTA KO) and VISTA^+/+ApoE^-/- (WT) mice that were fed a HCD for 10 weeks. ApoE^-/- mice treated with VISTA agonist 8G8 or IgG control (200ug, intra-peritoneal, 3 times per week for the last 6/10 weeks of HCD feeding). In vitro proliferation, migration, and functional T cell assays were performed.
Results: We found that VISTA is expressed on plaque T cell populations, particularly regulatory T cells, gamma-delta T cells, and naïve T cells. In humans, individuals with symptomatic CVD have significantly reduced VISTA gene expression in carotid plaques. VISTA KO mice have increased total plaque area and necrotic core area compared to littermate WT controls. VISTA KO mice have increased peripheral CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ effector memory T (T_EM) cells with a corresponding decrease in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ naïve T (T_N) cells and CD4⁺ regulatory T (T_reg) cells. Further, VISTA KO mice have a higher frequency of CD4⁺ T_H1 (T-bet⁺IFNy⁺) cells and lower frequencies of IL-10⁺CD4⁺ T cells and CD4⁺ T_H2 (GATA-3⁺IL-13⁺) cells. In vitro assays showed that VISTA suppresses CD4⁺ T cell proliferation, IFNγ production, and migration. Finally, VISTA agonist treatment significantly decreased plaque and necrotic core areas in atherosclerotic mice.
Conclusion: Our data reveals a novel role for VISTA in reducing plaque development and in suppressing T cell activation, proliferation, and migration. Further characterization of T-cell specific VISTA-deficient mouse models and mechanistic insights into how VISTA modulates T cells are currently being investigated.