Vitamin D as immunomodulatory therapy for kidney transplantation.
Vitamin D (1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3)]) has been studied in the past for its immunosuppressive properties, and, in that context, it may also have potential utility as an immunomodulatory agent for transplantation. A number of studies have demonstrated that 1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) or its analogs regulate immune cell proliferation, differentiation, and responsiveness. A burgeoning number of studies have also explored using 1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and its analogs directly as therapy in animal models of kidney transplantation with success in prolonging allograft function and preventing acute rejection. Some of these in vivo effects may well be caused by alterations in immune cell function, but it is also possible that exogenous 1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and its analogs are altering the intragraft milieu as well, specifically through changes in the TGF-beta signaling cascade. Such provocative data and the availability of newer 1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) analogs that may limit side effects (e.g. hypercalcemia) have created interest in examining this secosteroid clinically in kidney transplantation.
Becker
Bryan N
BN
Department of Medicine, B-3063 UW Nephrology, University of Wisconsin, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705, USA. bnb@medicine.wisc.edu
Hullett
Debra A
DA
O'Herrin
Jacquelyn K
JK
Malin
Gretchen
G
Sollinger
Hans W
HW
DeLuca
Hector
H
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D014807:Vitamin D