Inflammation in a severe model of dystrophic cardiomyopathy contains a high proportion of T cells that contribute to onset of pathology

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Arden B. Piepho, Swathy Krishna, Sarah L. Sturgill, Jeovanna Lowe, Zoe Wolfe, Rachel Pomeranets, Sachi Walmiki, Rachel Rosenzweig, Zachary M. Howard, Mark T. Ziolo, Kenneth J. Oestreich, Jill A. Rafael‐Fortney
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00337.2025
Cited by: 0
References: 71

Abstract

Heart failure has become the leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive degenerative disease of striated muscles. This study highlights an inflammatory environment in dystrophic heart with a high proportion of T-cells that is distinct from the predominant myeloid inflammation in dystrophic skeletal muscles. T-cell-related signaling is associated with the severity of cardiomyopathy, and T-cells contribute to dystrophic cardiomyopathy onset. This data will inform optimal patient treatments that target cardiac inflammation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Muscle Physiology and Disorders Cardiomyopathy and Myosin Studies Cardiac Fibrosis and Remodeling

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Volume
330
Issue
2
Pages
H468–H483
Publication date
7 January 2026
Language
EN