Vitamin D and Allergic Disease: Sunlight at the End of the Tunnel?

• Main Authors: Susan L. Prescott, Anderson P. Jones, Meri K. Tulic, Kristina Rueter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2011-12-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: vitamin D; 25(OH)D; helper T cells; allergy; vitamin D receptor; immune system
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/4/1/13/

A role for vitamin D in the regulation of immune function was first proposed after the identification of Vitamin D Receptors in lymphocytes. It has since been recognized that the active form of vitamin D, 1α,25(OH)2D3, has direct affects on naïve and activated helper T cells, regulatory T cells, activated B cells and dendritic cells. There is a growing body of literature linking vitamin D (serum 25(OH)D, oral intake and surrogate indicators such as latitude) to various immune-related conditions, including allergy, although the nature of this relationship is still unclear. This review explores the findings of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory research, and the potential role of vitamin D in promoting the inappropriate immune responses which underpin the rise in a broad range of immune diseases.