Statins reduce spirochetal burden and modulate immune responses in the C3H/HeN mouse model of Lyme disease

Publication date: Available online 16 March 2016 Source:Microbes and Infection Author(s): Tricia A. Van Laar, Camaron Hole, S.L. Rajasekhar Karna, Christine L. Miller, Robert Reddick, Floyd L. Wormley, J. Seshu Lyme disease (LD) is a systemic disorder caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme spirochetes encode for a functional 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR EC 1.1.1.88) serving as a rate limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway that contribute to components critical for cell wall biogenesis. Statins have been shown to inhibit B. burgdorferi in vitro. Using a mouse model of Lyme disease, we found that statins contribute to reducing bacterial burden and altering the murine immune response to favor clearance of spirochetes.
Source: Microbes and Infection - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research