The price of immunity might be high blood pressure, as data from Guzik et al. (page 2449) suggest.
High blood pressure—or hypertension—is triggered by angiotensin II. This hormone instructs the kidneys to retain salt and the brain to release stress hormones. It also activates oxidases that generate free radicals, which narrow blood vessels and cause plaques to grow and harden the arteries.
Recent evidence suggests that angiotensin II might also get the immune system into the tension-raising act. Patients with immune systems weakened by immunosuppressive drugs or HIV infection have low blood pressure, which can skyrocket when they go off the drugs or start taking antiviral medications. One set of lymphocytes, the T cells, are the likeliest culprits, as they bear angiotensin II receptors and the same dangerous free radical–generating enzymes.
Guzik et al. now find that angiotensin II activates T cells to raise...
