Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is the leading cause for heart disease and stroke, and the first cause of death and disease burden according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The human body's natural defense mechanisms against infection, mediated by white blood cells, can contribute to the development of high blood pressure by causing inflammation. A small population of white blood cells, called T regulatory lymphocytes (or Tregs), reduce the sometimes harmful effects of this defense mechanism by limiting inflammation and preventing it from becoming overactivated. This protects against the development of lesions in the blood vessels caused by high blood pressure. We have identified a protective role of Tregs in high blood pressure and associated damage to blood vessels. This protective role of Tregs can potentially be taken advantage of to provide alternative medications for the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure. It is expected that the proposed research, and the subsequent identification and testing of new targets for treatment, will result in novel and cost-effective treatments to limit the progression of high blood pressure and subsequent damage to the heart, brain, and the kidneys. This we hope will improve the life expectancy and quality of life of cardiovascular patients in Canada, as well as reduce the economic burden of heart disease, failure of the kidneys and stroke.