Abstract
Intermediates of both cholesterol synthesis and cholesterol metabolism can have diverse roles in the control of cellular processes that go beyond the control of cholesterol homeostasis. For example, oxidized forms of cholesterol, called oxysterols have functions ranging from the control of gene expression, signal transduction and cell migration. This is of particular interest in the context of immunology and immunometabolism where we now know that metabolic processes are key towards shaping the nature of immune responses. Equally, aberrant metabolic processes including altered cholesterol homeostasis contribute to immune dysregulation and dysfunction in pathological situations. This review article brings together our current understanding of how oxysterols affect the control of immune responses in diverse immunological settings.
Highlights
Cholesterol is a vital component of our cells and our bodies
As indiscussed oxysterols are activators of the nuclear receptors. They are and signalling and through additional mechanisms including acting as ligands for another inhibitors of sterol regulator binding proteins (SREBP), master regulators of genes involved in the nuclear receptor, the of Retinoic acid and receptor-related orphan receptors (ROR), and for the cell surface lipogenic processes fatty acid cholesterol synthesis
It will be interesting to determine whether Cyp11a1 is expressed in infiltrating T cells in human cancer, if 22(R)-HC is generated in appreciable amounts and, if so, whether this leads to neutrophil recruitment
Summary
Cholesterol is a vital component of our cells and our bodies. It is a structural component of cellular membranes, plays a role in regulating intracellular signal transduction and is a precursor for the generation of other important molecules such as bile acids and steroid hormones. Cholesterol can be obtained from our diet or synthesised within individual cells and the control of cholesterol homeostasis is carefully regulated. Elevated overall cholesterol and products of cholesterol metabolism such as oxysterols have been implicated in infection [1] and several diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, neurodegeneration and more [2,3,4,5,6]. It is becoming clear that oxysterols can have important regulatory roles within cells and between cells and how oxysterols control the immune system is the focus of this current review
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
