High-density lipoprotein particle (HDL)

High-density lipoprotein particle (HDL) is the smallest, densest class of circulating lipoproteins in human blood, consisting of complexes of proteins—primarily apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)—and lipids (phospholipids, cholesterol, triglycerides). HDL particles are crucial in reverse cholesterol transport: the process by which excess cholesterol is removed from peripheral tissues (including arteries) and delivered to the liver for excretion. HDL particles possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and endothelial-protective functions. They are highly heterogeneous in composition and function, with different subclasses performing variable roles in health and disease. While commonly known as "good cholesterol" for their role in reducing cardiovascular risk, clinical trials targeting HDL raise caution, as simply increasing HDL cholesterol levels may not reduce disease risk if particle functionality is not addressed. HDL particle is not a traditional molecular drug target, but a vital biomarker and therapeutic focus in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Other names

HDLHigh-density lipoprotein"good cholesterol"

Enhance cholesterol efflux to HDL particles; Inhibit cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) to raise HDL; Modulate apolipoprotein metabolism to increase HDL particle function/quantity