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Immunomodulation by statins: mechanisms and potential impact on autoimmune diseases

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Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis

Abstract

Statins are inhibitors of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) and they are the most effective agents for lowering cholesterol in clinical practice for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, it has become clear that statins also have pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects in addition to their lipid-lowering properties. As a result, much attention has been focused on their potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammatory autoimmune diseases. In this review the effect of statins on the expression and function of a variety of immune-relevant molecules will be discussed alongside the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the immunomodulatory effects of statins.

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Abbreviations

HMG-CoA:

hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A

LDL:

low-density lipoprotein

CAD:

coronary artery disease

MHC:

major histocompatibility complex

IL-2:

interleukin 2

ICAM1:

intercellular adhesion molecule 1

TH :

T helper

EAE:

experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

SLE:

systemic lupus erythematous

MK:

mevalonate kinase

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  1. School of Science, Monash University Sunway Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

    Sek C. Chow (Prof.)

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Chow, S.C. Immunomodulation by statins: mechanisms and potential impact on autoimmune diseases. Arch. Immunol. Ther. Exp. 57, 243–251 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00005-009-0038-5

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