1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 inhibits the CD23 gene expression by human peripheral blood monocytes

A biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, and a leukocyte surface molecule, CD23, play important roles in immune regulation. The effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the CD23 gene expression was examined in this study. The results show that 1,25(OH)2D3 suppresses spontaneous and IL-4-stimulated CD23 synthesis by peripheral blood monocytes. The inhibition occurs at both the protein and mRNA levels. However, 1,25(OH)2D3 has no inhibitory effect on CD23 production by either resting or activated tonsillar B cells. Our results suggest a possible role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the regulation of certain immune and inflammatory responses via its effect on CD23 production.