Purpose of review: Immune mechanisms exacerbate the severity of hypertension in humans and animal models of disease. This review summarizes recent mechanistic studies exploring the pathways whereby immunity influences salt-sensitive hypertension and renal disease.
Recent findings: Emphasis is placed on the role of T cell subtypes, the mechanisms of T-cell activation, and the identification of potential antigens or neoantigens.
Summary: Significant advancements have occurred in the search for pathways which activate the adaptive immune response. An enhanced understanding of the factors contributing to hypertension can lead to better therapies.