The effects of atorvastatin on gluten‐induced intestinal T cell responses in coeliac disease

Summary Various experimental models suggest that the cholesterol‐lowering drugs statins may also modulate immune responses. Cellular level studies on human disorders are needed, however, to provide a rational basis for clinical testing of statins as immune therapy. Coeliac disease, a chronic small i...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inClinical and experimental immunology Vol. 142; no. 2; pp. 333 - 340
Main Authors Ráki, M., Molberg, Ø., Tollefsen, S., Lundin, K. E. A., Sollid, L. M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.11.2005
Blackwell
Oxford University Press
Blackwell Science Inc
Subjects
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

Loading…
More Information
Summary:Summary Various experimental models suggest that the cholesterol‐lowering drugs statins may also modulate immune responses. Cellular level studies on human disorders are needed, however, to provide a rational basis for clinical testing of statins as immune therapy. Coeliac disease, a chronic small intestinal inflammation driven by HLA‐DQ2 restricted mucosal T cells that are specific for ingested wheat gluten peptides, is in many ways ideal for this purpose. In addition, there is a need for alternative treatment to the gluten‐free diet in this disorder. Here we have assessed the effects of atorvastatin on gluten‐reactive T cells, dendritic cells and the coeliac mucosa by in vitro culture of biopsies. Atorvastatin inhibited gluten‐induced proliferation and specific cytokine production of human intestinal gluten‐reactive T cell clones and lines. Dendritic cells exposed to atorvastatin displayed a reduced expression of the costimulatory molecule CD83 upon maturation with lipopolysaccharide. Incubation of intestinal biopsy specimens with atorvastatin in vitro, however, did not influence gluten‐induced cytokine release. In conclusion, atorvastatin has specific effects on isolated gluten‐reactive T cells and dendritic cells, but does not shut down the gluten‐induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in intestinal biopsies.
ISSN:0009-9104
1365-2249
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2005.02915.x