Paneth Cell Alertness to Pathogens Maintained by Vitamin D Receptors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vitamin D exerts a regulatory role over mucosal immunity via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Although Paneth cells and their products are known to regulate the commensal and pathogenic microbiota, the role that VDRs in Paneth cells play in these responses is unknown. METHODS: We identified the decreased intestinal VDR significantly correlated with reduction of an inflammatory bowel disease risk gene ATG16L1 and Paneth cell lysozymes in patients with Crohn's disease. We generated Paneth cell-specific VDR knockout (VDR Delta PC) mice to investigate the molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Lysozymes in the Paneth cells were significantly decreased in the VDR Delta PC mice. Isolated VDR Delta PC Paneth cells exhibited weakened inhibition of pathogenic bacterial growth and displayed reduced autophagic responses. VDR Delta PC mice had significantly higher inflammation after Salmonella infections. VDR Delta PC mice also showed high susceptibility to small intestinal injury induced by indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Co-housing of VDR Delta PC and VDRlox mice made the VDR Delta PC less vulnerable to dextran sulfate sodium colitis, suggesting the transmission of protective bacterial from the VDRlox mice. Thus, a lack of VDR in Paneth cells leads to impaired antibacterial activities and consequently increased inflammatory responses. Genetically and environmentally regulated VDRs in the Paneth cells may set the threshold for the development of chronic inflammation, as observed in inflammatory bowel diseases. CONCLUSIONS: We provide new insights into the tissue-specific functions of VDRs in maintaining Paneth cell alertness to pathogens in intestinal disorders. Targeting the VDR affects multiple downstream events within Paneth cells that inhibit intestinal inflammation and establish host defense against enteropathogens.

Automated summary

The study reveals that VDR in Paneth cells plays a crucial role in antibacterial activities and inflammatory responses, and the lack of VDR in Paneth cells may lead to the development of chronic inflammation.