3-Hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor (statin)-induced 28-kDa interleukin-1beta interferes with mature IL-1beta signaling

Abstract

Multiple clinical trials have shown that the 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors known as statins have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is synthesized as a non-active precursor. The 31-kDa pro-IL-1beta is processed into the 17-kDa active form by caspase-1-activating inflammasomes. Here, we report a novel signaling pathway induced by statins, which leads to processing of pro-IL-1beta into an intermediate 28-kDa form. This statin-induced IL-1beta processing is independent of caspase-1- activating inflammasomes. The 28-kDa form of IL-1beta cannot activate interleukin-1 receptor-1 (IL1R1) to signal inflammatory responses. Instead, it interferes with mature IL-1beta signaling through IL-1R1 and therefore may dampen inflammatory responses initiated by mature IL-1beta. These results may provide new clues to explain the anti-inflammatory effects of statins.