| Title: | Macrophage-derived CCL20 promotes abdominal aortic aneurysm progression via lymphocytes CCR6 |
| Journal: | Frontiers in Immunology |
| Published: | 2 Mar 2026 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41846931/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1780720 |
| URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1780720 |
Publication 17549
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Abstract
Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic vascular disease marked by chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. The C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) - C-C motif chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6) axis modulates immune responses in vascular diseases, but its role in AAA remains unclear. This study investigates the involvement of the CCL20-CCR6 axis in AAA formation.</p>
Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing datasets and bulk RNA sequencing datasets were analyzed to assess cellular composition and transcriptional changes. Transcriptomic analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, UK Biobank database analysis, CellChat analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and mouse models were employed to explore the CCL20-CCR6 axis in AAA.</p>
Results: Substantial immune cell infiltration (T lymphocytes & B lymphocytes) and loss of structural cells (fibroblasts, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells) were identified using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets. Macrophage polarization was imbalanced, with enriched M1-like macrophages and elevated CCL20 secretion. Macrophages could promote the formation of AAA by recruiting a large number of immune cells via the CCL20-CCR6 axis. In vitro, CCL20 neutralization reduced immune cell recruitment; in vivo, the knockdown of this axis inhibited AAA progression.</p>
Conclusions: Macrophage-derived CCL20 aggravates lymphocyte recruitment via the CCR6, promoting AAA progression. CCL20 may serve as a biomarker for AAA. Targeting the CCL20-CCR6 axis could inhibit immune recruitment and AAA progression.</p>
13 Keywords
- Animals
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal
- Chemokine CCL20
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Humans
- Lymphocytes
- Macrophages
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, CCR6
- Single-Cell Analysis
17 Authors
- Qingnan Ren
- Tianyong Sun
- Song Shen
- Yuanbin Cao
- Li Wei
- Yang Zhao
- Fengxin Wan
- Ping Sui
- Ke Xiao
- Hao Bai
- Dachuan Guo
- Qi He
- Mengfan Zhi
- Jianmin Yang
- Jianjun Jiang
- Wencheng Zhang
- Xiangjiu Ding
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 151350 | Acquired Risk Factors and Incidence of Metabolic Cardiovascular Disease According to age and Genetic Susceptibility |
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