The genes encoding cytokines IL-2, IL-10 and IL-12B are primary 1α,25(OH)2D3 target genes.

Abstract A number of studies have described the effects of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 in immune system. Most of the known effects of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 are indirect since only two functional VDREs that regulate transcription of cytokine gene has been reported until today. In this study we have examined a possibility of direct transcriptional regulation of IL-2 , IL-10 and IL-12B genes in activated Jurkat or THP-1 cells via liganded VDR by using gene expression analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. According to our data the IL-2 , IL-10 and IL-12B genes respond to 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 treatment by 3–6 h. In addition, all of these genes contain several genomic regions that recruit VDR in a ligand dependent fashion. These data suggest that the above cytokines are under direct transcriptional regulation by 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 .