Activated double-negative T cells (CD3+CD4-CD8-HLA-DR+) define response to renal denervation for resistant hypertension

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the cellular immune response of patients with resistant hypertension treated with renal denervation (RDN).

Methods and results: Twenty-three patients were included and blood samples were obtained in six timings, pre and post procedure. Response was evaluated at six-months and one year and was observed in 69.6% and 82.6% of patients, respectively. Absolute values of HLA-DR+ double negative (DN) T cells were significantly lower in the group of 'responders' at one year, and interaction between the timings were found in three T cell subsets (T CD4, T CD8 and naïve T CD8 cells), with the 'responders' tending to present with lower absolute values and little inter-timing variation.

Conclusions: 'Responders' significantly present with lower absolute values of activated DN T cells and have lower and more stable values of total T CD8+, CD4+, and naïve T CD8+ cells. These cell types may be able to predict response to RDN.

Keywords: Biomarker; Double-negative T cells; Hypertension; Immune system; Inflammation; Renal denervation.