title: Immunomodulation by  vitamin D: implications for TB.
abstract: TB remains a major cause of mortality throughout the world. Low vitamin D status has been linked to increased risk of TB and other immune disorders. These observations suggest a role for vitamin D as a modulator of normal human immune function. This article will detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D regulates the immune system and how vitamin D insufficiency may lead to immune dysregulation. The importance of vitamin D bioavailability as a mechanism for defining the immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D and its impact on TB will also be discussed. The overall aim will be to provide a fresh perspective on the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment of TB.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 615 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
authors: Rene F
authors: RF
authors: Chun
authors: John S
authors: JS
authors: Adams
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Hewison
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D056747:Immunomodulation / Q000187:drug effects; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D014807:Vitamin D