Abstract
Vitamin D is an important regulator of immune function. T cells express the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and have been shown to be direct and indirect vitamin D targets. Why should T cells be responsive to vitamin D? The data suggest that expression of the VDR is required for the development of two cell types, NKT cells and CD8αα T cells, which inhibit autoimmunity. In addition, effector T cell cytokine production is regulated by vitamin D. Available evidence suggests that NKT and CD8αα T cells express the VDR as part of the selection process to protect against the generation of autoimmunity, particularly in the gut.
© 2010 New York Academy of Sciences.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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Cell Differentiation / genetics
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Cell Differentiation / immunology
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Gene Expression Regulation / immunology*
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Humans
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Natural Killer T-Cells / cytology
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Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology
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Natural Killer T-Cells / metabolism
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Receptors, Calcitriol / biosynthesis*
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Receptors, Calcitriol / genetics
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*
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Vitamin D / biosynthesis
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Vitamin D / genetics
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Vitamin D / physiology
Substances
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Receptors, Calcitriol
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Vitamin D