Crystal structure of cholesteryl ester transfer protein reveals a long tunnel and four bound lipid molecules.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) shuttles various lipids between lipoproteins, resulting in the net transfer of cholesteryl esters from atheroprotective, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to atherogenic, lower-density species. Inhibition of CETP raises HDL cholesterol and may potentially be used to treat cardiovascular disease. Here we describe the structure of CETP at 2.