The potential use of PPARalpha agonists as immunosuppressive agents.

Fibrates are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha ligands that have been used to treat hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis for many years, and research has demonstrated that these agents have immunosuppressive effects. PPARalpha is expressed in multiple inflammatory cell types, and its ligands abrogate expression of inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the use of fibrates in inflammatory disease models. It also describes proposed mechanisms of action of PPARalpha ligands and discusses the potential use of these medications as immunosuppressive agents.