Vitamin D and the immune system: new perspectives on an old theme.
Interaction with the immune system is one of the most well-established nonclassic effects of vitamin D. For many years this was considered to be a manifestation of granulomatous diseases such sarcoidosis, in which synthesis of active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) is known to be dysregulated. However, recent reports have supported a role for 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in mediating normal function of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Crucially, these effects seem to be mediated via localized autocrine or paracrine synthesis of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) from precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3), the main circulating metabolite of vitamin D. The ability of vitamin D to influence normal human immunity is highly dependent on the vitamin D status of individuals, and may lead to aberrant response to infection or autoimmunity in those who are lacking vitamin D. The potential health significance of this has been underlined by increasing awareness of impaired vitamin D status in populations across the globe. This article describes some of the recent developments with respect to vitamin D and the immune system, and possible clinical implications.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. mhewison@mednet.ucla.edu
Martin
M
Hewison
D015090:25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054804:Cathelicidins
D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D014807:Vitamin D; D015090:25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase; D054804:Cathelicidins