Ioannis Eilard

In many patients with coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries), a chronic, low-grade inflammation is observed despite optimal treatment. This has been shown to increase the risk of acute events such as myocardial infarction. Our research aims to elucidate the immunological mechanisms that contribute to this low-grade inflammation.

The thymus is the organ in which T cells mature. T cells are a type of white blood cell that are essential for fighting infections, as well as for protecting us from cancer. In addition, T cells play a significant role in coordinating and regulating other parts of the immune system. As we age, thymus undergoes a natural process of shrinkage, known as thymic involution, which reduces the organ’s capacity to support T cell maturation. This results in reduced production and release of new T cells into the bloodstream. Consequently, the existing T cell population ages over time and becomes less functional.

Although thymic involution is a natural part of aging, there is now evidence that the rate and extent of this process may vary considerably between individuals of the same age. There are also indications that maintaining thymic function later in life may confer health benefits.

My doctoral project aims to investigate:
1. whether impaired thymic function is associated with aged T cells and low-grade inflammation in patients with documented coronary artery disease, who are in a stable phase of the disease.
2. whether thymic involution is associated with coronary atherosclerosis.
3. whether reduced thymic function is predictive of the risk of major cardiovascular events or death.