The influence of vitamin D on M1 and M2 macrophages in patients with Crohn's disease

Defective bacterial clearance by macrophages plays an important role in Crohn’s disease (CD). Phenotypes and functions of inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 have not been studied in CD. Vitamin D supplementation reduces the severity of CD by unclear mechanisms. We studied macrophage characteristics in CD and controls and the effects of 1,25 vitamin D (1,25D). PBMC were isolated from CD patients and controls. M1 and M2 were generated by culturing of monocytes with GM-CSF and M-CSF, respectively. CD M1 and M2 showed normal phagocytosis and chemotaxis to CCL2 and fMLP. LPS-induced production of TNF-α, IL-12p40 and IL-10 was comparable between groups. Phagocytosis was unaltered with 1,25D; migration only increased marginally. M1 produced more IL-12p40 and TNF-α; IL-10 was greater in M2. 1,25D markedly decreased IL-12p40 by M1 and M2. 1,25D decreased TNF-α in CD M1; IL-10 levels were unaffected. M2 express F13A1, PTGS2, CD163, CXCL10, CD14 and MMP2, whereas TGF-β, CCL1 and CYP27B1 expression was higher in M1. Marker expression was similar between CD and controls. M1 and M2 markers were not differentially modulated by 1,25D. CD macrophages are not functionally or phenotypically different vs. controls. 1,25D markedly decreased pro-inflammatory M1 cytokines but did not modulate polarization to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.