title: Inhibition of proliferation and signalling mechanisms in human lymphocytes by fluvastatin.
abstract: 1. Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (statins) reduce serum cholesterol and have proven benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, recent work suggests that statins may exert immunosuppressive effects in isolated lymphocytes and in solid organ transplant recipients. Fluvastatin does not interfere with the metabolism of commonly used immunosuppressive agents and, therefore, may have benefits in transplant recipients. 2. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential immunomodulatory effects of fluvastatin in vitro in human lymphocytes and the underlying effects on signal transduction. 3. In vitro, fluvastatin (10 micromol/L) caused a time-dependent inhibition of T cell proliferation in response to cross-linking of CD3. 4. Thymidine incorporation was reduced by 22, 81 and 92% at days 1, 3 and 5, respectively. 5. Mevalonate (1 micromol/L) treatment for 4 or 24 h significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of fluvastatin; the reversal was abrogated by simultaneous exposure to mevalonate and a farnesyl transferase inhibitor. 6. At a subcellular level, fluvastatin treatment was associated with reduced functional activity of Ras-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways and of Rho-dependent p38 activation. 7. These data suggest that the potential immunosuppressive actions of statins involve inhibition of subcellular pathways dependent on isoprenylation of signal peptides, including Ras, Rho and related G-proteins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Glasgow, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Dianne Z
authors.initials: DZ
authors.lastname: Hillyard
authors.forename: Angus J M
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: Alan H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Mark H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Hadden
authors.forename: Hilary E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Alan G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Jardine
mesh_terms: D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology*; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
chemical_list: D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007211:Indoles; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases