Statins modulate IFN-gamma induced HLA-DR expression on intestinal epithelial cells

Aim: Statins have been shown to attenuate IFN-γ stimulated HLA-DR expression on various cells types. There are no reports investigating effects of statins on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). In this study we analyse the influence of statins on induced HLA-DR expression on IECs and evaluate toxic effects on these cells. Methods: HT29 cells were grown unstimulated or stimulated with hrIFN-γ (50U/ml) for 72h. Cells were simultaneously incubated with atorvastatin (0–40µM) or simvastatin (0–40µM). Co-incubation with mevalonic acid (100–400µM) served to identify statin specific effects. Cell surface expression of H…