Illuminating the Role of Vitamin A in Skin Innate Immunity and the Skin Microbiome: A Narrative Review

Nutrients. 2021 Jan 21;13(2):302. doi: 10.3390/nu13020302.

Abstract

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in skin immunity. Deficiencies in Vitamin A have been linked to impaired immune response and increased susceptibility to skin infections and inflammatory skin disease. This narrative review summarizes recent primary evidence that elucidates the role of vitamin A and its derivatives on innate immune regulators through mechanisms that promote skin immunity and sustain the skin microbiome.

Keywords: innate immunity; retinoic acid; skin immunity; skin microbiome; vitamin A.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dermatitis
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Microbiota / physiology
  • Skin / immunology*
  • Skin / microbiology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Tretinoin
  • Vitamin A / immunology*
  • Vitamin A / pharmacology
  • Vitamin A Deficiency

Substances

  • Vitamin A
  • Tretinoin