Influence of statins on MHC class I expression

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Sep:1173:746-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04646.x.

Abstract

Statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, are widely prescribed for their cholesterol-lowering properties to reduce atherogenesis and cardiovascular morbidity. However, compelling evidence exists that statins also have extensive immunomodulatory properties that operate independently of lipid lowering. Consequently, much attention has been directed toward their immunomodulatory effect and their potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Statins have the ability to modulate a broad range of proinflammatory immune mechanisms through inhibition of small GTPases and other prenylated proteins. One of the statins' immunomodulatory effects is downregulation of MHC class II expression. In contrast, patients with statin-induced myopathy show high MHC class I expression. In this review, the effect of statins on MHC class I expression is reviewed alongside statins' effect on immune function.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticholesteremic Agents / pharmacology
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism
  • Biosynthetic Pathways / drug effects
  • Cholesterol / biosynthesis
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Models, Biological
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Immunologic Factors
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • Cholesterol