Core Insights - The presence of tertiary lymphoid organs (PTLOs) in carotid atherosclerotic plaques is closely related to whether patients exhibit symptoms such as stroke, serving as an independent risk factor for symptomatic carotid stenosis [1][2] - The research provides new perspectives on the immune mechanisms of atherosclerosis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for precise interventions [1][3] Group 1: Research Findings - The study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial omics technology (Stereo-seq) to construct a high-resolution single-cell spatial map of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques [2] - PTLOs were identified in human arterial plaques, characterized by significant spatial aggregation of lymphocytes, lack of typical germinal center structures, and active B cell immune responses [2] - The presence of effector B cells in plaques is linked to the formation of "ectopic germinal center reactions," indicating clonal selection and the potential generation of specific antibodies against plaque antigens [2] Group 2: Clinical Implications - The findings suggest a molecular basis for the interaction between B cells in plaques and those in surrounding vascular adipose tissue, supporting the existence of a "vascular adipose tissue-plaque immune axis" [2] - The study highlights the potential for future clinical diagnostics and interventions in atherosclerosis, particularly through the role of IgG antibodies secreted by effector B cells in activating macrophage functions [2][3]