Oxysterols are cholesterol derivatives that are generated enzymatically or via autoxidation. Most of their biological effects in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis are mediated by the interaction with nuclear receptors, LXRα and LXRβ. Recent studies have identified oxysterols as critical signalling molecules in the development and function of immune cells. Moreover, we have proven that tumour may release oxysterols which favour tumour growth through two mechanisms. In the first mechanism, oxysterols down-modulate C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) expression in liver X receptors (LXR)-dependent manner on tumour infiltrating dendritic cells, damping their migration towards lymphoid organs and, consequently, the host anti-tumour immunity.
