
AbstractCholesterol is an essential molecule for life. It is a component of the cell membrane, and it is a precursor molecule for bile acids, vitamin D and steroid hormones. Cholesterol is actively metabolized, but the impact of endogenous cholesterol metabolites on immune function, especially in the intestine, is poorly understood. In this review, I focus on oxysterols, hydroxylated forms of cholesterol, and their specialized functions in intestinal immunity. Oxysterols act through various intracellular and extracellular receptors and serve as key metabolic signals, coordinating immune activity and inflammation. Our recent work has identified an unexpected link between cholesterol metabolism, innate lymphoid cell function and intestinal homeostasis. We discovered that oxysterol sensing through the G protein‐coupled receptor 183 (GPR183) directs the migration of innate lymphoid cells, which is essential for the formation of lymphoid tissue in the colon. Moreover, we found that the interaction of GPR183 with oxysterols regulates intestinal inflammation. I will discuss the therapeutic potential of oxysterols and future possibilities of treating inflammatory bowel disease through the modulation of cholesterol metabolism.
Inflammation, Intestines, Reviews, Animals, Humans, Oxysterols, Intestinal Mucosa
Inflammation, Intestines, Reviews, Animals, Humans, Oxysterols, Intestinal Mucosa
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 71 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 1% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
