In contrast, antibody depletion of CD8 T cells in Ldlr−/− mice with advanced atherosclerosis resulted in plaque destabilization, characterized by an increase in macrophage presence, a larger necrotic core, and a less pro-calcifying smooth muscle cell phenotype, suggesting that CD8 T cells in advanced lesions may be atheroprotective by promoting plaque stability25,26. Here, CD8A is linked to atherosclerosis.