[Expression of CD14 protein in U937 cells induced by vitamin D3].

Aim: To observe the 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (Vit D3) induced CD14 expression in human U937 cell line and the reaction of the cells to LPS stimulation following the induction.

Methods: U937 cells were cocultured with 0.1 mumol/L Vit D3 for 24 hours to induce the expression of CD14 gene and the sensitiveness of U937 cells to stimulation of LPS at various concentrations and for different times were observed.

Results: Vit D3 stably induced U937 cells to express CD14 mRNA and CD14 protein. The sensitivity of U937 cells to LPS stimulation increased notably after Vit D3 induction. It was demonstrated that low concentration of LPS stimulated the activation of NF-kappaB in U937/CD14 cells, and enhanced the transcription and expression of TNF-alpha gene, and even release of TNF-alpha into the culture supernatant.

Conclusion: Vit D3 can induce U937 cells to express CD14 gene and CD14 protein and enhance the reactivity of U937/CD14 cells to LPS stimulation.