Vitamin D and Immune Function

Abstract

Vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and vitamin D receptors are present in many cell types including various immune cells such as antigen-presenting-cells, T cells, B cells and monocytes. In vitro data show that, in addition to modulating innate immune cells, vitamin D also promotes a more tolerogenic immunological status. In vivo data from animals and from human vitamin D supplementation studies have shown beneficial effects of vitamin D on immune function, in particular in the context of autoimmunity. In this review, currently available data are summarized to give an overview of the effects of vitamin D on the immune system in general and on the regulation of inflammatory responses, as well as regulatory mechanisms connected to autoimmune diseases particularly in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The association of vitamin D deficiency with tear break-up time and Schirmer testing in non-Sjögren dry eye

“…The relation between vitamin D deficiency and Ss was shown in previous studies. [1][2][3][4] In our study, none of the patients had autoimmune disease such as Ss, which could affect the TBUT and Schirmer levels. We researched the possible link between non-Ss dry eye and vitamin D deficiency.…”

“…[1][2][3] Vitamin D deficiency has an important role in the development of cancer and several autoimmune diseases. 1,2 It has also been found that environmental and hormonal factors, the fatsoluble vitamins such as vitamin D, may have a role in the pathogenic immunoregulatory process of primary Sjögren's syndrome (Pss). [4][5][6] The vitamin D supplementation is suggested for chronic autoimmune diseases.…”

Vitamin D and respiratory infections

“…Vitamin D (1,25(OH) 2 D) thus synthesized may act directly on the receptor of vitamin D (VDR) [7] that is not only present in bones and intestines, but can also be found in bone marrow, brain, pancreas, prostate, and especially in tumor cells and immune cells, suggesting a much broader range of vitamin activity than simply calcium homeostasis [4,10].…”

“…The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) is the biologically active form of vitamin D. It is a pleiotropic hormone, regulating calcium and bone homeostasis due to its modulation of Ca 2+ ion absorption in the intestine [4]. It also regulates several genes, including those associated with the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of cells [5].…”

Rethinking the “Sunshine” Vitamin

“…Vitamin D plays several roles in the body, influencing bone health as well as serum calcium and phosphate levels. Furthermore, Vitamin D may modify immune function, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis [1,2].…”