REVIEW - Control of autoimmune diseases by the vitamin D endocrine system

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Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. 2008 Aug;4(8):404-12. Epub 2008 Jul 1.

Control of autoimmune diseases by the vitamin D endocrine system.

Adorini L, Penna G.

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Corciano (Perugia), Italy.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], the biologically active

form of vitamin D(3), is a secosteroid hormone essential for bone and

mineral homeostasis. It regulates the growth and differentiation of

multiple cell types, and displays immunoregulatory and

anti-inflammatory properties. Cells involved in innate and adaptive

immune responses--including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells and

B cells--express the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and can both produce

and respond to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). The net effect of the vitamin D system

on the immune response is an enhancement of innate immunity coupled

with multifaceted regulation of adaptive immunity. Epidemiological

evidence indicates a significant association between vitamin D

deficiency and an increased incidence of several autoimmune diseases,

and clarification of the physiological role of endogenous VDR agonists

in the regulation of autoimmune responses will guide the development

of pharmacological VDR agonists for use in the clinic. The

antiproliferative, prodifferentiative, antibacterial, immunomodulatory

and anti-inflammatory properties of synthetic VDR agonists could be

exploited to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, from rheumatoid

arthritis to systemic lupus erythematosus, and possibly also multiple

sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, and

autoimmune prostatitis.

PMID: 18594491

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18594491

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