Figure 2.
T cell activation by isoketal protein modification. Hypertension induces production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in dendritic cells (DCs), leading to oxidation of arachidonic acid and formation of gamma ketoaldehydes or isoketals. Isoketals rapidly ligate to protein lysines in the DC, forming proteins that are recognized as non-self. Peptides from these are presented to T cells, leading to T cell proliferation. Isoketal formation also promotes DC production of cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-23, which polarize T cells to produce specific cytokines.