title: Vitamin D and molecular actions on the immune system: modulation of innate and autoimmunity.
abstract: Vitamin D has received increased attention recently for its pleiotropic actions on many chronic diseases. The importance of vitamin D on the regulation of cells of the immune system has gained increased appreciation over the past decade with the discovery of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and key vitamin D metabolizing enzymes expressed by cells of the immune system. Animal studies, early epidemiologic and clinical studies have supported a potential role for vitamin D in maintaining immune system balance. The hormonal form of vitamin D up-regulates anti-microbial peptides, namely cathelicidin, to enhance clearance of bacteria at various barrier sites and in immune cells. Vitamin D modulates the adaptive immune system by direct effects on T cell activation and on the phenotype and function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), particularly of DCs. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the molecular and clinical evidence for vitamin D as a modulator of the innate and adaptive immune system.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Diane L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kamen
authors.forename: Vin
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tangpricha
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D