Control of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis using the cholesterol recognition/interaction amino acid sequence of the translocator protein TSPO

► The TSPO cholesterol recognition/interaction amino acid consensus (CRAC) was used in vivo. ► The VLNYYVWR CRAC sequence has hypocholesterolemic properties. ► The VLNYYVWR CRAC sequence has anti-atherogenic properties. ► CRAC treatment prevents high cholesterol diet-induced serum creatine kinase increase. ► The VLNYYVWR CRAC sequence has no short-term toxicity in animal models.