Vitamin D effects on the Innate Immune System: |
- Enhances epithelial barrier function and chemokine secretion. |
- Increases production of antimicrobial peptides in macrophages and monocytes. |
- Enhances generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in leukocytes. |
Vitamin D effects on the Adaptive Immune System: |
- Promotes tolerogenic T regulatory cells (Tregs). |
- Inhibits development of pathogenic effector Th1 and Th17 cells. |
- Inhibits B cells, plasma cell differentiation, and Ig production. |
Unproven potential clinical benefits: |
- Protection against asthma development in early life. |
- Protection against respiratory infections, a risk factor for asthma onset and exacerbations. |
- Enhances anti-inflammatory response to corticosteroids. |