LXR directly regulates glycosphingolipid synthesis and affects human CD4+ T cell function

Persistent transcriptional changes in cardiac adaptive immune cells following myocardial infarction: New evidence from the re-analysis of publicly available single cell and nuclei RNA-sequencing data sets

INTRODUCTION

Chronic immunopathology contributes to the development of heart failure after a myocardial infarction. Both T and B cells of the adaptive immune system are present in the myocardium and have been suggested to be involved in post-MI immunopathology.

METHODS

We analyzed the B and T cell populations isolated from previously published single cell RNA-sequencing data sets (PMID: 32130914, PMID: 35948637, PMID: 32971526 and PMID: 35926050), of the mouse and human heart, using differential expression analysis, functional enrichment analysis, gene regulatory inferences, and integration with autoimmune and cardiovascular GWAS.

RESULTS

Already at baseline, mature effector B and T cells are present in the human and mouse heart, having increased activity in transcription factors maintaining tolerance (e.g. DEAF1, JDP2, SPI-B). Following MI, T cells upregulate pro-inflammatory transcript levels (e.g. Cd11, Gzmk, Prf1), while B cells upregulate activation markers (e.g. Il6, Il1rn, Ccl6) and collagen (e.g. Col5a2, Col4a1, Col1a2). Importantly, pro-inflammatory and fibrotic transcription factors (e.g. NFKB1, CREM, REL) remain active in T cells, while B cells maintain elevated activity in transcription factors related to immunoglobulin production (e.g. ERG, REL) in both mouse and human post-MI hearts. Notably, genes differentially expressed in post-MI T and B cells are associated with cardiovascular and autoimmune disease.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the varied and time-dependent dynamic roles of post-MI T and B cells. They appear ready-to-go and are activated immediately after MI, thus participate in the acute wound healing response. However, they subsequently remain in a state of pro-inflammatory activation contributing to persistent immunopathology.

Abnormal energy metabolism in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe autoimmune disease with significant socioeconomic impact worldwide. Orderly energy metabolism is essential for normal immune function, and disordered energy metabolism is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to the pathogenesis of SLE. Disorders of energy metabolism are characterized by increased reactive oxygen species, ATP deficiency, and abnormal metabolic pathways. Oxygen and mitochondria are critical for the production of ATP, and both mitochondrial dysfunction and hypoxia affect the energy production processes. In addition, several signaling pathways, including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway also play important regulatory roles in energy metabolism. Furthermore, drugs with clear clinical effects on SLE, such as sirolimus, metformin, and tacrolimus, have been proven to improve the disordered energy metabolism of immune cells, suggesting the potential of targeting energy metabolism for the treatment of SLE. Moreover, several metabolic modulators under investigation are expected to have potential therapeutic effects in SLE. This review aimed to gain insights into the role and mechanism of abnormal energy metabolism in the pathogenesis of SLE, and summarizes the progression of metabolic modulator in the treatment of SLE.

Dysregulated serum lipid profile is associated with inflammation and disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a retrospective study in China

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between the lipid profiles of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and other clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, disease activity, and inflammatory factors. In addition, the risk factors for hyperlipidemia-related complications of pSS and the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) usage on the lipid profile were incorporated into this study.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective study that included 367 patients who were diagnosed with pSS at Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, China from January 2010 to March 2022. Initially, demographic information, clinical characteristics, medication records, and complications of the patients were gathered. A case-control analysis compared the 12 systems involvement (ESSDAI domain), clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests between pSS patients with and without dyslipidemia. A simple linear regression model was employed to investigate the relationship between serum lipid profile and inflammatory factors. Logistics regression analysis was performed to assess variables for hyperlipidemia-related complications of pSS. The paired t-test was then used to evaluate the improvement in lipid profile among pSS patients.

RESULTS

48.7 % of all pSS patients had dyslipidemia, and alterations in lipid levels were related to gender, age, and smoking status but not body mass index (BMI). Dyslipidemia is more prevalent in pSS patients who exhibit heightened autoimmunity and elevated levels of inflammation. Higher concentrations of multiple highly inflammatory factors correlate with a more severe form of dyslipidemia. Non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors may contribute to hyperlipidemia-related complications of pSS, such as increased, low complement 3 (C3) and low C4. According to our study, HCQ usage may protect against lipid-related disease in pSS.

CONCLUSION

Attention should be paid to the dyslipidemia of pSS. This research aims to clarify the population portrait of pSS patients with abnormal lipid profiles and provides insights into the correlation between metabolism and inflammation in individuals with pSS and the potential role they play in the advancement of the disease. These findings provide novel avenues for further understanding the underlying mechanisms of pSS pathogenesis.

The integration of metabolic and proteomic data uncovers an augmentation of the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathway during T-cell differentiation

Recent studies have highlighted the significance of cellular metabolism in the initiation of clonal expansion and effector differentiation of T cells. Upon exposure to antigens, naïve CD4+ T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to meet their metabolic requirements. However, only few studies have simultaneously evaluated the changes in protein and metabolite levels during T cell differentiation. Our research seeks to fill the gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of changes in levels of metabolites, including sugars, amino acids, intermediates of the TCA cycle, fatty acids, and lipids. By integrating metabolomics and proteomics data, we discovered that the quantity and composition of cellular lipids underwent significant changes in different effector Th cell subsets. Especially, we found that the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathway was commonly activated in Th1, Th2, Th17, and iTreg cells and that inhibition of this pathway led to the suppression of Th17 and iTreg cells differentiation. Additionally, we discovered that Th17 and iTreg cells enhance glycosphingolipid metabolism, and inhibition of this pathway also results in the suppression of Th17 and iTreg cell generation. These findings demonstrate that the utility of our combined metabolomics and proteomics analysis in furthering the understanding of metabolic transition during Th cell differentiation.

Transient hydroxycholesterol treatment restrains TCR signaling to promote long-term immunity

T cell receptor (TCR) plays a fundamental role in adaptive immunity, and TCR-T cell therapy holds great promise for treating solid tumors and other diseases. However, there is a noticeable absence of chemical tools tuning TCR activity. In our study, we screened natural sterols for their regulatory effects on T cell function and identified 7-alpha-hydroxycholesterol (7a-HC) as a potent inhibitor of TCR signaling. Mechanistically, 7a-HC promoted membrane binding of CD3ε cytoplasmic domain, a crucial signaling component of the TCR-CD3 complex, through alterations in membrane physicochemical properties. Enhanced CD3ε membrane binding impeded the condensation between CD3ε and the key kinase Lck, thereby inhibiting Lck-mediated TCR phosphorylation. Transient treatments of TCR-T cells with 7a-HC resulted in reduced signaling strength, increased memory cell populations, and superior long-term antitumor functions. This study unveils a chemical regulation of TCR signaling, which can be exploited to enhance the long-term efficacy of TCR-T cell therapy.

Oxysterols in Infectious Diseases

Oxysterols have emerged as important bioactive lipids in the immune response to infectious diseases. This chapter discusses our current knowledge of oxysterols and their receptors in bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Oxysterols are produced in response to infections and have multiple roles including chemotaxis of immune cells to the site of infection and regulation of inflammation. Some oxysterols have been shown to possess antiviral or antibacterial activity.Lastly, we delve into the emerging mechanisms of action of oxysterols. Oxysterols can enhance host cell resistance via reduction of membrane accessible cholesterol, modulate membrane immune signalling, and impact inflammasome activation and efferocytosis.

CYP27A1-27-hydroxycholesterol axis in the respiratory system contributes to house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-HC) derived from sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) has pro-inflammatory biological activity and is associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in COPD. However, the role of regulation of CYP27A1- 27-HC axis in asthma is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the contribution of the axis to the pathophysiology of asthma.

METHODS

House dust mite (HDM) extract was intranasally administered to C57BL/6 mice and the expression of CYP27A1 in the airways was analyzed by immunostaining. The effect of pre-treatment with PBS or CYP27A1 inhibitors on the cell fraction in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed in the murine model. In vitro, BEAS-2B cells were treated with HDM and the levels of CYP27A1 expression were examined. Furthermore, the effect of 27-HC on the expressions of E-cadherin and ZO-1 in the cells was analyzed. The amounts of RANTES and eotaxin from the 27-HC-treated cells were analyzed by ELISA.

RESULTS

The administration of HDM increased the expression of CYP27A1 in the airways of mice as well as the number of eosinophils in the BALF. CYP27A1 inhibitors ameliorated the HDM-induced increase in the number of eosinophils in the BALF. Treatment with HDM increased the expression of CYP27A1 in BEAS-2B cells. The administration of 27-HC to BEAS-2B cells suppressed the expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1, and augmented the production of RANTES and eotaxin.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that aeroallergen could enhance the induction of CYP27A1, leading to allergic airway inflammation and disruption of the airway epithelial tight junction through 27-HC production.

Soluble CD83 modulates human-monocyte-derived macrophages toward alternative phenotype, function, and metabolism

Alterations in macrophage (Mφ) polarization, function, and metabolic signature can foster development of chronic diseases, such as autoimmunity or fibrotic tissue remodeling. Thus, identification of novel therapeutic agents that modulate human Mφ biology is crucial for treatment of such conditions. Herein, we demonstrate that the soluble CD83 (sCD83) protein induces pro-resolving features in human monocyte-derived Mφ biology. We show that sCD83 strikingly increases the expression of inhibitory molecules including ILT-2 (immunoglobulin-like transcript 2), ILT-4, ILT-5, and CD163, whereas activation markers, such as MHC-II and MSR-1, were significantly downregulated. This goes along with a decreased capacity to stimulate alloreactive T cells in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays. Bulk RNA sequencing and pathway analyses revealed that sCD83 downregulates pathways associated with pro-inflammatory, classically activated Mφ (CAM) differentiation including HIF-1A, IL-6, and cytokine storm, whereas pathways related to alternative Mφ activation and liver X receptor were significantly induced. By using the LXR pathway antagonist GSK2033, we show that transcription of specific genes (e.g., PPARG, ABCA1, ABCG1, CD36) induced by sCD83 is dependent on LXR activation. In summary, we herein reveal for the first time mechanistic insights into the modulation of human Mφ biology by sCD83, which is a further crucial preclinical study for the establishment of sCD83 as a new therapeutical agent to treat inflammatory conditions.

A 15-Gene-Based Risk Signature for Predicting Overall Survival in SCLC Patients Who Have Undergone Surgical Resection

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a malignancy with a poor prognosis whose treatment has not progressed for decades. The survival benefit of surgery and the selection of surgical candidates are still controversial in SCLC. This study is the first report to identify transcriptomic alterations associated with prognosis and propose a gene expression-based risk signature that can be used to predict overall survival (OS) in SCLC patients who have undergone potentially curative surgery. An integrative transcriptome analysis of three gene expression datasets (GSE30219, GSE43346, and GSE149507) revealed 1734 up-regulated and 2907 down-regulated genes. Cox-Mantel test, Cox regression, and Lasso regression analyses were used to identify genes to be included in the risk signature. EGAD00001001244 and GSE60052-cohorts were used for internal and external validation, respectively. Overall survival was significantly poorer in patients with high-risk scores compared to the low-risk group. The discriminatory performance of the risk signature was superior to other parameters. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk signature has the potential to be an independent predictor of prognosis. The prognostic genes were enriched in pathways including regulation of transcription, cell cycle, cell metabolism, and angiogenesis. Determining the roles of the identified prognostic genes in the pathogenesis of SCLC may contribute to the development of new treatment strategies. The risk signature needs to be validated in a larger cohort of patients to test its usefulness in clinical decision-making.

Targeting abnormal lipid metabolism of T cells for systemic lupus erythematosus treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. However, the causes of SLE remain unknown. Dyslipidemia is a common symptom observed in SLE patients and animal models and is closely correlated to disease activity. Lipid metabolic reprogramming has been considered as a hallmark of the dysfunction of T cells in patients with SLE, therefore, manipulating lipid metabolism provides a potential therapeutic target for treating SLE. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms for the metabolic events of immune cells under pathological conditions is crucial for tuning immunometabolism to manage autoimmune diseases such as SLE. In this review, we aim to summarize the cross-link between lipid metabolism and the function of T cells as well as the underlying mechanisms, and provide light on the novel therapeutic strategies of active compounds from herbals for the treatment of SLE by targeting lipid metabolism in immune cells.

24-Hydroxycholesterol Moderates the Effects of Amyloid-β on Expression of HMG-CoA Reductase and ABCA1 Proteins in Mouse Astrocytes

Background

Elevated brain cholesterol increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Production of 24-hydroxycholesterol (24s-OHC) by neurons prevents cholesterol accumulation in the brain. In this study, we investigated the effect of 24s-OHC on the HMG-COA reductase and ABCA1 which are involved in the brain cholesterol homeostasis with or without β-amyloid in astrocytes.

Methods and Materials

Astrocytes were treated with 24s-OHC with or without Aβ. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction were done to detect protein and gene expression of β-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and ABCA1, respectively. Cholesterol release was determined using a quantitation kit.

Results

Protein levels of HMGCR and ABCA1 were significantly increased by Aβ; however, the 24s-OHC was able to restore their levels and diminish the effect of amyloid-β. Aβ did not have a significant effect on HMGCR expression, while 24s-OHC reduced it by 68%. Aβ-induced ABCA1 expression did not increase cholesterol efflux as the lower levels of cholesterol in conditioned medium of Aβ-treated cells were found.

Conclusion

Our novel findings show that Aβ affects two key elements in the brain cholesterol homeostasis, HMGCR and ABCA1, which are crucial in cholesterol synthesis and efflux. Since 24s-OHC could suppress the Aβ effects on enhancement of HMGCR and ABCA1, therefore the cytochrome P450 46A1 (Cyp46A1), which is exclusively expressed in the central nervous system and responsible for producing of 24s-OHC, could consider as a therapeutic target in the cholesterol-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Sterols and immune mechanisms in asthma

The field of sterol and oxysterol biology in lung disease has recently gained attention, revealing a unique need for sterol uptake and metabolism in the lung. The presence of cholesterol transport, biosynthesis, and sterol/oxysterol-mediated signaling in immune cells suggests a role in immune regulation. In support of this idea, statin drugs that inhibit the cholesterol biosynthesis rate-limiting step enzyme, hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, show immunomodulatory activity in several models of inflammation. Studies in human asthma reveal contradicting results, whereas promising retrospective studies suggest benefits of statins in severe asthma. Here, we provide a timely review by discussing the role of sterols in immune responses in asthma, analytical tools to evaluate the role of sterols in disease, and potential mechanistic pathways and targets relevant to asthma. Our review reveals the importance of sterols in immune processes and highlights the need for further research to solve critical gaps in the field.

Integrating transcriptome and metabolome to identify key genes regulating important muscular flavour precursors in sheep

Flavour precursors are the basis of meat flavour, and their metabolism is regulated by a variety of enzymes. Thus, it is of great significance to identify the key genes related to meat flavour precursors. In this study, the difference in flavour precursors and transcriptome between Hu sheep and Dorper with different intramuscular fat (IMF) content were investigated using widely targeted metabolomics and RNA-sequencing technologies. Then, the key genes regulating the metabolism of vital precursors were explored by integrating transcriptome and metabolome. Consequently, 594 metabolites were detected in sheep longissimus dorsi, and 76 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) were identified between Hu sheep and Dorper. No DAMs were observed between distinct IMF content groups within each breed. A total of 10 lysophospholipids (LPs), including four lysophospholipid ethanolamines and six lysophospholipid cholines, were identified as the main differential precursors between Hu sheep and Dorper. Furthermore, the weighted gene coexpression network analysis uncovered three differentially coexpression modules that were significantly associated with the content of differential LPs in Dorper. From the three modules, GLB1, PLD3, LPCAT2, DGKE, ACOT7, and CH25H genes were identified as key genes regulating the metabolism of LPs. This work provides an insight into understanding the difference in flavour between different sheep breeds, as well as a basis for further exploring the regulatory mechanism of key genes on LPs.

The Liver X Receptor Is Selectively Modulated to Differentially Alter Female Mammary Metastasis-associated Myeloid Cells

Dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis is associated with many diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are major upstream regulators of cholesterol homeostasis and are activated by endogenous cholesterol metabolites such as 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC). LXRs and various LXR ligands such as 27HC have been described to influence several extra-hepatic biological systems. However, disparate reports of LXR function have emerged, especially with respect to immunology and cancer biology. This would suggest that, similar to steroid nuclear receptors, the LXRs can be selectively modulated by different ligands. Here, we use RNA-sequencing of macrophages and single-cell RNA-sequencing of immune cells from metastasis-bearing murine lungs to provide evidence that LXR satisfies the 2 principles of selective nuclear receptor modulation: (1) different LXR ligands result in overlapping but distinct gene expression profiles within the same cell type, and (2) the same LXR ligands differentially regulate gene expression in a highly context-specific manner, depending on the cell or tissue type. The concept that the LXRs can be selectively modulated provides the foundation for developing precision pharmacology LXR ligands that are tailored to promote those activities that are desirable (proimmune), but at the same time minimizing harmful side effects (such as elevated triglyceride levels).

The Role of Immunometabolism in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which pathogenic abnormalities within both the innate and adaptive immune response have been described. In order to activated, proliferate and maintain this immunological response a drastic upregulation in energy metabolism is required. Recently, a greater understanding of these changes in cellular bioenergetics have provided new insight into the links between immune response and the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, ranging from cancer to diabetes and multiple sclerosis. In this review, we highlight the latest understanding of the role of immunometabolism in SLE with particular focus on the role of abnormal mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, and mTOR signaling in the immunological phenomenon observed in the SLE. We also consider what implications this has for future therapeutic options in the management of the disease in future.

Lipid metabolism in autoimmune rheumatic disease: implications for modern and conventional therapies

Suppressing inflammation has been the primary focus of therapies in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs), including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, conventional therapies with low target specificity can have effects on cell metabolism that are less predictable. A key example is lipid metabolism; current therapies can improve or exacerbate dyslipidemia. Many conventional drugs also require in vivo metabolism for their conversion into therapeutically beneficial products; however, drug metabolism often involves the additional formation of toxic by-products, and rates of drug metabolism can be heterogeneous between patients. New therapeutic technologies and research have highlighted alternative metabolic pathways that can be more specifically targeted to reduce inflammation but also to prevent undesirable off-target metabolic consequences of conventional antiinflammatory therapies. This Review highlights the role of lipid metabolism in inflammation and in the mechanisms of action of AIRD therapeutics. Opportunities for cotherapies targeting lipid metabolism that could reduce immunometabolic complications and potential increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with AIRDs are discussed.

Metabolomics Defines Complex Patterns of Dyslipidaemia in Juvenile-SLE Patients Associated with Inflammation and Potential Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) associated with atherosclerosis. The interplay between dyslipidaemia and inflammation—mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis—were investigated retrospectively in adolescent JSLE patients using lipoprotein-based serum metabolomics in patients with active and inactive disease, compared to healthy controls (HCs). Data was analysed using machine learning, logistic regression, and linear regression. Dyslipidaemia in JSLE patients was characterised by lower levels of small atheroprotective high-density lipoprotein subsets compared to HCs. These changes were exacerbated by active disease and additionally associated with significantly higher atherogenic very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) compared to patients with low disease activity. Atherogenic lipoprotein subset expression correlated positively with clinical and serological markers of JSLE disease activity/inflammation and was associated with disturbed liver function, and elevated expression of T-cell and B-cell lipid rafts (cell signalling platforms mediating immune cell activation). Finally, exposing VLDL/LDL from patients with active disease to HC lymphocytes induced a significant increase in lymphocyte lipid raft activation compared to VLDL/LDL from inactive patients. Thus, metabolomic analysis identified complex patterns of atherogenic dyslipidaemia in JSLE patients associated with inflammation. This could inform lipid-targeted therapies in JSLE to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Metabolites as drivers and targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by neovascularization, immune cell infiltration, and synovial hyperplasia, which leads to degradation of articular cartilage and bone, and subsequent functional disability. Dysregulated angiogenesis, synovial hypoxia, and immune cell infiltration result in a ‘bioenergetic crisis’ in the inflamed joint which further exacerbates synovial invasiveness. Several studies have examined this vicious cycle between metabolism, immunity, and inflammation and the role metabolites play in these interactions. To add to this complexity, the inflamed synovium is a multicellular tissue with many cellular subsets having different metabolic requirements. Metabolites can shape the inflammatory phenotype of immune cell subsets during disease and act as central signalling hubs. In the RA joint, the increased energy demand of stromal and immune cells leads to the accumulation of metabolites such as lactate, citrate, and succinate as well as adipocytokines which can regulate downstream signalling pathways. Transcription factors such as HIF1ɑ and mTOR can act as metabolic sensors to activate synovial cells and drive pro-inflammatory effector function, thus perpetuating chronic inflammation further. These metabolic intermediates may be potential therapeutic targets and so understanding the complex interplay between metabolites and synovial cells in RA may allow for identification of novel therapeutic strategies but also may provide significant insight into the underlying mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.

Transcriptome-Wide Profile of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Primary Immune Cells from Human Peripheral Blood

Vitamin D₃ is an essential micronutrient mediating pleiotropic effects in multiple tissues and cell types via its metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃), which activates the transcription factor vitamin D receptor. In this study, we used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from five healthy adults and investigated transcriptome-wide, whether the precursor of 1,25(OH)₂D₃, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃), has gene regulatory potential on its own. Applying thresholds of >2 in fold change of gene expression and <0.05 as a false discovery rate, in this ex vivo approach the maximal physiological concentration of 25(OH)D₃ (250 nM (nmol/L)) none of the study participants had a significant effect on their PBMC transcriptome. In contrast, 1000 and 10,000 nM 25(OH)D₃ regulated 398 and 477 genes, respectively, which is comparable to the 625 genes responding to 10 nM 1,25(OH)₂D₃. The majority of these genes displayed specificity to the tested individuals, but not to the vitamin D metabolite. Interestingly, the genes MYLIP (myosin regulatory light chain interacting protein) and ABCG1 (ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 1) showed to be specific targets of 10,000 nM 25(OH)D₃. In conclusion, 100- and 1000-fold higher 25(OH)D₃ concentrations than the reference 10 nM 1,25(OH)₂D₃ are able to affect the transcriptome of PBMCs with a profile comparable to that of 1,25(OH)₂D₃.