How Does Vitamin D Affect Immune Cells Crosstalk in Autoimmune Diseases?

Abstract

Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone that is highly involved in bone health. Mounting evidence revealed that, in addition to the regulation of mineral metabolism, vitamin D is implicated in cell proliferation and differentiation, vascular and muscular functions, and metabolic health. Since the discovery of vitamin D receptors in T cells, local production of active vitamin D was demonstrated in most immune cells, addressing the interest in the clinical implications of vitamin D status in immune surveillance against infections and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. T cells, together with B cells, are seen as the main immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases; however, growing interest is currently focused on immune cells of the innate compartment, such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells in the initiation phases of autoimmunity. Here we reviewed recent advances in the onset and regulation of Graves’ and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, vitiligo, and multiple sclerosis in relation to the role of innate immune cells and their crosstalk with vitamin D and acquired immune cells.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Regulatory T Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review

“…Furthermore, vitamin D can promote the differentiation of regulatory T cells, which play an important role in immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmunity. 18 Some studies in SLE have found an inverse correlation between SLE disease activity and serum vitamin D levels, but the findings are debatable. [19][20][21] Despite this, vitamin D supplementation is now recommended as a management strategy for certain patient populations.…”

Phototherapy for vitiligo: A narrative review on the clinical and molecular aspects, and recent literature

“…Mechanistically, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ suppressed CD8+ T cell glycolysis and promoted AMPK signaling, thereby inhibiting their proliferation and aberrant activation. In vivo, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ administration in melanocyte‐associated vitiligo (MAV) mice diminished CD8+ T cell infiltration and function, and promoted repigmentation 150–152 . The presence of the AA genotype of vitamin D receptor gene ApaI was found to be a significant independent predictor for individuals responding poorly to NBUVB phototherapy in a recent study 153 …”

“…In vivo, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ administration in melanocyte-associated vitiligo (MAV) mice diminished CD8+ T cell infiltration and function, and promoted repigmentation. [150][151][152] The presence of the AA genotype of vitamin D receptor gene ApaI was found to be a significant independent predictor for individuals responding poorly to NBUVB phototherapy in a recent study. 153 Comparative analysis of gene signatures after merging laser capture microdissection with whole transcriptome RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of Tenascin C (TNC), Gap junction beta-6 protein (GJB6), and Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) in hair follicle bulge melanocyte precursors, and Tyrosinase (TYR) in regenerated epidermal melanocytes from NBUVB-treated vitiligo skin confirmed through qRT-PCR.…”

Seasonal vitamin D levels and lupus low disease activity state in systemic lupus erythematosus

“…The pathogenesis of SLE is complex and involves multiple genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, including vitamin D deficiency 2 . Vitamin D is known to have immunomodulatory effects, regulating the function of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells and dendritic cells 3,4 . Vitamin D also exerts anti‐inflammatory effects and can inhibit the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which is reported to be associated with not only systemic lupus erythematosus, but also rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis 5,6 …”

“…2 Vitamin D is known to have immunomodulatory effects, regulating the function of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells and dendritic cells. 3,4 Vitamin D also exerts antiinflammatory effects and can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is reported to be associated with not only systemic lupus erythematosus, but also rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. 5,6 Vitamin D is a steroid hormone obtained from the diet or synthesised within the body, although its blood concentration is better maintained through the body's synthesis process than through dietary supplementation.…”