Atheroma-Relevant 7-Oxysterols Differentially Upregulate Cd14 Expression

The expression of CD14 in monocytic cells is elevated in atherosclerotic lesions where 7-oxyterols are abundant. However, it remains unknown whether atheroma-relevant 7-oxysterols are involved in receptor expression. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7αOHChol), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7βOHChol), and 7-ketocholesterol (7K) on CD14 levels in THP-1 cells. The three 7-oxysterols increased CD14 transcript levels at a distinct time point, elevated cellular CD14 protein levels, and promoted the release of soluble CD (sCD14) from THP-1 cells. Our data revealed that CD14 expression was most strongly induced after treatment with 7αOHChol. Moreover, 7αOHChol alone upregulated membrane-bound CD14 levels and enhanced responses to lipopolysaccharides, as determined by CCL2 production and monocytic cell migration. The 7-oxysterols also increased the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9, and a cell-permeable, reversible MMP-9 inhibitor, MMP-9 inhibitor I, significantly impaired sCD14 release. These results indicate that 7-oxysterols differentially induce CD14 expression in vascular cells and contribute to the monocytic cell expression of CD14 via overlapping, but distinct, mechanisms.