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Sinonasal epithelial cells synthesize active vitamin D, augmenting host innate immune function
Author(s) -
Sultan Babar,
Ramanathan Murugappan,
Lee Joan,
May Lindsey,
Lane Andrew P.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international forum of allergy and rhinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.503
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 2042-6984
pISSN - 2042-6976
DOI - 10.1002/alr.21087
Subject(s) - cathelicidin , innate immune system , immune system , vitamin d and neurology , vitamin , immunocytochemistry , antimicrobial peptides , beta defensin , medicine , immunity , enzyme , immunology , antimicrobial , biology , biochemistry , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology
Background: Vitamin D, long recognized for its role in bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis, has been increasingly shown to augment innate immunity. 1‐α‐Hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of active vitamin D, has been shown to have extrarenal expression in multiple cell types, including airway epithelial cells. The purpose of this study is to explore whether sinonasal epithelial cells (SNECs) express 1‐α‐hydroxylase, allowing for the local production of active vitamin D, thereby augmenting innate immune function. Methods: Human SNECs were grown in culture and stimulated by inactive vitamin D. Expression of 1‐α‐hydroxylase was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. Active vitamin D production was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide, was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. Results: SNECs constitutively express the enzyme 1‐α‐hydroxylase resulting in active vitamin D production. SNECs exposed to inactive vitamin D had a significant 8‐fold increase in cathelicidin expression when compared to controls. Conclusion: SNECs can generate active vitamin D, which significantly increases expression of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin. © 2013 ARS–AAOA, LLC.