Lipoprotein and PCSK9 bound to receptor. Computer illustration of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or 'bad' cholesterol, molecule (round) and a molecule of the enzyme proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9, blue) bound to an LDL receptor (LDLR) protein (Y-shaped), with red blood cells (erythrocytes, discs) in a blood vessel (not to scale). When there are high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood it builds up on the sides of blood vessels hardening them, a condition named atherosclerosis. This narrows the blood vessels and may block them. LDL receptors recognise and bind to LDL molecules to remove them from the bloodstream. When PCSK9 binds to an LDLR, the receptor is destroyed along with the LDL particle. But if PCSK9 does not bind, the receptor can return to the surface of the cell and remove more cholesterol. PCSK9 inhibitor drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by improving the liver's ability to recycle LDLRs.