{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiles Reveal Fibrocytes as Potential Targets of Cell Therapies for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
{Author}: Li B;Song X;Guo W;Hou Y;Hu H;Ge W;Fan T;Han Z;Li Z;Yang P;Gao R;Zhao H;Wang J;Li B;Song X;Guo W;Hou Y;Hu H;Ge W;Fan T;Han Z;Li Z;Yang P;Gao R;Zhao H;Wang J;
{Journal}: Front Cardiovasc Med
{Volume}: 8
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2021
{Factor}: 5.846
{DOI}: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.753711
{Abstract}: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is potentially life-threatening in aging population due to the risk of aortic rupture and a lack of optimal treatment. The roles of different vascular and immune cells in AAA formation and pathogenesis remain to be future characterized. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on an angiotensin (Ang) II-induced mouse model of AAA. Macrophages, B cells, T cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were identified through bioinformatic analyses. The discovery of multiple subtypes of macrophages, such as the re-polarization of Trem2 + Acp5 + osteoclast-like and M2-like macrophages toward the M1 type macrophages, indicates the heterogenous nature of macrophages during AAA development. More interestingly, we defined CD45+COL1+ fibrocytes, which was further validated by flow cytometry and immunostaining in mouse and human AAA tissues. We then reconstituted these fibrocytes into mice with Ang II-induced AAA and found the recruitment of these fibrocytes in mouse AAA. More importantly, the fibrocyte treatment exhibited a protective effect against AAA development, perhaps through modulating extracellular matrix production and thus enhancing aortic stability. Our study reveals the heterogeneity of macrophages and the involvement of a novel cell type, fibrocyte, in AAA. Fibrocyte may represent a potential cell therapy target for AAA.