IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D ON SKIN INFLAMMATION

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2015 Jul-Sep;29(3):563-7.

Abstract

Vitamin D has a major role in calcium absorption and maintenance of healthy bones. Vitamin D is also involved in cancer, cardiovascular system, allergic diseases, immune regulation and immune disor¬ders. Irradiation of food as well as animals produces vitamin D and more than 90% of previtamin D3 synthesis in the skin occurs in the epidermis. Vitamin D receptor has been found in many cells including T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, NK cells and Tregs, and it selectively binds with high affinity to its ligand. Vitamin D binds its receptor VDR, resulting in transcription of a number of genes playing a role in inhibition of MAPK. Its effect may be also mediated by the direct activation of PKC. Vitamin D has the ability to suppress inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-1, IFN-gamma and IL-2; while it increases the generation of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. In B cells, vitamin D3 have also been shown to suppress IgE antibody class switch partly through the inhibition of NF-kB. Here we discuss the relationship between vitamin D, immunity and skin disorders.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Dermatitis* / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis* / immunology
  • Dermatitis* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / immunology
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Mast Cells / pathology
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / immunology
  • Skin* / immunology
  • Skin* / pathology
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • Vitamin D