Vitamin D controls the capacity of human dendritic cells to induce functional regulatory T cells by regulation of glucose metabolism

Abstract

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) instruct regulatory T cells (Tregs) to dampen autoimmunity. Active vitamin D₃ (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃; 1α,25(OH)₂D₃) imprints human monocyte-derived DCs with tolerogenic properties by reprogramming their glucose metabolism. Here we identify the glycolytic enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4) as a critical checkpoint and direct transcriptional target of 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ in determining the tolDC profile. Using tracer metabolomics, we show that PFKFB4 activity is essential for glucose metabolism, especially for glucose oxidation, which is elevated upon 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ exposure. Pharmacological inhibition of PFKFB4 reversed the 1α,25(OH)₂D₃-mediated shift in metabolism, DC profile and function, as determined by expression of inhibitory surface markers and secretion of regulatory cytokines and factors. Moreover, PFKFB4 inhibition in 1α,25(OH)₂D₃-treated DCs blocked their hallmark capacity to induce suppressive Tregs. This work demonstrates that alterations in the bioenergetic metabolism of immune cells are central to the immunomodulatory effects induced by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃.

Keywords: 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3); Dendritic cells; Immunometabolism; PFKFB4; Regulatory T cells; Tolerogenicity.