Science Advances · 21 August 2026 · From issue 24
Unconventional role of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 in driving pathogenic T H 17 cell immunity and autoimmune diseases
In mice, a cholesterol-making protein secretly drives harmful immune cells that fuel autoimmune disease.
Jie Sun, Yali Lei et al.
A protein called HMGCS1 usually helps cells make cholesterol. This study found it also controls a harmful immune cell instead. In mice, this protein turns on a stress signal inside cells. That signal tells certain immune cells to attack the body's own tissues. Blocking this protein calmed autoimmune disease in mice.
Shows a lab and mouse mechanism, not a treatment tested in people.
Mice and lab cells only, no human data yet.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 21 August 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Science Advances). Read the source
This screen checks process signals. It does not tell you the findings are true.