These cells express CYP27B1, the gene encoding for the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of the
vitamin-
D hormonally active metabolite, calcitriol. Treatment with
vitamin-
D(3) resulted in calcitriol production and induction of calcitriol target gene CYP24A1, indicating that these cells contain the full machinery for vitamin-D metabolism and activity. Notably, treatment with calcitriol resulted in HCV inhibition.