HSP27 combines with anti-HSP27 IgG antibodies to form immune complexes that dock at the hepatocyte cell membrane, engage the receptor TLR4, activate the NF-kB pathway and upregulate the expression of the LDL-R (independent of SREBP2). Plasma LDL cholesterol and PCSK9 levels fall because of the increased clearance by the more abundant LDL-Rs.
Inflammation biomarkers are markedly reduced in: – blood (serum amyloid A levels drop >70%) – liver (cytokines: IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) – plaque (fewer macrophages & cholesterol crystals)
October 2019 BBA General Subjects publication from the O’Brien lab advances the knowledge base for understanding the interaction of anti-HSP27 antibodies with HSP27. Such HSP27 immune complexes are involved in extra-cellular cellular signalling that results in the reduction in atherogenesis, cholesterol levels and inflammation.
Model of HSP27 Monomer
“Biophysical analyses and functional implications of the interaction between heat shock protein 27 and antibodies to HSP27” by: Michael H. Chiu, Chunhua Shi, Matthew Rosin, Zarah Batulan, Edward R. O’Brien
The structure of HSP27 was modeled using the PHYRE Protein Fold Recognition Server, intensive mode, generating a 3D structure in which 174 aa (85% of the total 205 aa sequence) were modeled at >90% accuracy.
Grateful to be celebrated with my peers at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta’s 6th Annual Gala. The community came together again to recognize and foster excellence in cardiovascular care and research.
Levels of HSP27 and anti-HSP27 antibodies fall with menopause – which coincides with increased cardiovascular risk due to higher levels of cholesterol and PCSK9, a negative determinant of cholesterol metabolism
Check out the latest coverage of our research from the ESC 2019 Congress
