Vitamin D effects on B cell function in autoimmunity.
Vitamin D seems to be implicated in the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders as a natural immune modulator. Beneficial effects of vitamin D have been associated with different cells of the immune system; however, thus far, B cells seem to be somewhat neglected. In this paper, we describe the possible direct effects of vitamin D on B cells, with a focus on antibody production and the more recently identified regulatory B (Breg ) cells. B cells upregulate the vitamin D receptor (VDR) upon activation. Furthermore, due to regulated expression of the metabolizing enzymes CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, B cells have the potential to control the local availability of active vitamin D. B cells, therefore, may participate in vitamin D-mediated immune homeostasis, including plasma cell generation. Whether or not other B cell subsets, such as Breg cells, are equally responsive to vitamin D remains to be established.
School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Academic MS Center Limburg, Orbis Medical Center, Sittard, the Netherlands.
Linda
L
Rolf
Anne-Hilde
AH
Muris
Raymond
R
Hupperts
Jan
J
Damoiseaux
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000502:physiology*
D014807:Vitamin D
B cell function; autoimmune diseases; interleukin-10; regulatory B cell; vitamin D