Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Shotgun Lipidomics of Rodent Tissues
11:46

Shotgun Lipidomics of Rodent Tissues

Published on: November 18, 2022

2.3K

Multiple Targets for Oxysterols in Their Regulation of the Immune System

Lisa Reinmuth1, Cheng-Chih Hsiao2,3, Jörg Hamann2,3

  • 1Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.

Cells
|August 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Oxysterols, cholesterol oxidation products, rapidly regulate immune cells via cell-surface receptors. This review explores their mechanisms and potential for immune system modulation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Oxysterols are cholesterol oxidation products that regulate cell physiology, including immune cell function.
  • Oxysterol effects on cell-surface receptors are rapid (subsecond), contrasting with slower nuclear receptor or epigenetic mechanisms.
  • These rapid effects influence critical immune processes like cell motility, secretion, and endocytosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the cell-surface receptors for oxysterols, focusing on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which oxysterols interact with these receptors.
  • To examine the presence and functions of oxysterol receptors in various immune cell types.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on oxysterols and immune system interactions.
  • Survey of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels as oxysterol targets.
  • Analysis of oxysterol functions in innate and adaptive immunity.

Main Results:

  • Oxysterols bind to distinct cell-surface receptors, including GPCRs and ion channels.
  • These interactions trigger rapid cellular responses essential for immune cell function.
  • Oxysterol signaling pathways are present and active in diverse immune cell populations.

Conclusions:

  • Oxysterols play a significant role in rapid immune cell regulation through cell-surface receptors.
  • Understanding oxysterol-receptor interactions offers potential for therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting oxysterol pathways may provide novel approaches for immune system modulation.
Keywords:
autoimmunityimmune responseinfectious diseasesinflammationion channelsoxysterolspharmacologystructure-function

More Related Videos

In Vivo Assessment of Alveolar Macrophage Efferocytosis Following Ozone Exposure08:54

In Vivo Assessment of Alveolar Macrophage Efferocytosis Following Ozone Exposure

Published on: October 22, 2019

9.3K
LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring08:45

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring

Published on: November 17, 2018

13.7K

Related Concept Videos

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
1.9K
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
13.0K
Peroxisomes01:24

Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes are specialized organelles present in fungi, plant, and animal cells. It can vary in number, size, morphology, and activity depending on the type of tissue and the nutritional state of the cell. For example, cells with active lipid metabolism, such as adipocytes, neurons, and hepatocytes, have more peroxisomes than other cells in the body. Besides their primary role in breaking down complex organic molecules, peroxisomes can also synthesize specific macromolecules and participate in...
16.5K
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
773
Target Cell Response to Hormones01:22

Target Cell Response to Hormones

Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
4.0K
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
7.2K