Inflammatory Cell Characterisation in Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs in up to 9% of adults older than 65 years of age. Progression and rupture of AAAs remains a significant cause of mortality in developed countries. In over 90 of cases, the aneurysm sac is filled by intra-luminal thrombus (ILT). Once thought to be bystanders to the disease, emerging evidence suggest that ILTs within AAAs is a rich reservoir of inflammatory cells and contributes to AAA pathogenesis.

By applying mass cytometry analysis to aneurysmal wall tissue, thrombus and matching blood, we can identify the cell subsets that have significant roles at mediating pathogenic events. The identification of the cellular subsets recruited to the lumenal thrombus will give insights into their function in pathogenesis of AAA.

This BHF CRE award has enabled the optimisation of techniques for single cell isolation from the AAA tissue “complex”. It will result in the development of unique cyTOF biomarker panels to interrogate specific subsets of inflammatory cells in AAA, and in other vascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis).

Publication linked to this award:

1. Cassimjee, Ismail & Lee, Regent & Patel, Jyoti. (2017). Inflammatory Mediators in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.