Cholesterol uptake by cells instigates inflammation, affecting both the central nervous system and the peripheral systems. This phenomenon involves the aggregation of inflammatory proteins. For instance, in the context of TLR4, cholesterol prompts receptor dimerization. Similarly, with TNF alpha, the substrate facilitates the enzyme's binding. Subsequent hydrolysis yields soluble cytokines, contributing to the inflammatory response.
During an inflammatory response cholesterol is loaded into immune cells including macrophages. The cholesterol is a signal that activates cytokine production and other inflammatory responses. Cholesterol's role in inflammation is central to many diseases.