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1Alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the biologically active form of vitamin D3, is a potent immunomodulatory molecule; however, its clinical use as an immunosuppressant is limited due to its strong effects on calcium homeostasis and the risk of associated side-effects. Here, we present a representative of a novel class of vitamin D analogs that exhibits potent immunosuppressive activity in a murine model of contact hypersensitivity when applied systemically and is efficacious also at nonhypercalcemic dosages. In vitro analysis revealed a binding affinity of ZK 191784 to the vitamin D receptor comparable with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. This compound inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-12 in monocytes in a concentration-dependent manner, but with reduced potency and efficacy than 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3. Treatment of human monocytes with this analog significantly reduces expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, B7.1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 equipotent to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Interestingly, the compound failed to induce vitamin D-induced differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 to monocytes and was capable of antagonizing the action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. In vivo, as analyzed in mice the compound potently inhibits the contact hypersensitivity when applied systemically. ZK 191784 has a clear therapeutic advantage over 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by inducing immunosuppressive effects also at concentrations that do not cause hypercalcemia. ZK 191784 is the first representative of a novel class of vitamin D analogs that might have therapeutic potential in T cell-mediated immune disorders.

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