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Related Concept Videos

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity01:21

Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity

The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
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What is the Immune System?

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Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

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Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

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Defense Mechanism Against Infection01:26

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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

In Vivo Augmentation of Gut-Homing Regulatory T Cell Induction
08:02

In Vivo Augmentation of Gut-Homing Regulatory T Cell Induction

Published on: January 22, 2020

Vitamin D and innate immunity.

Martin Hewison1

  • 1University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 615 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. mhewison@mednet.ucla.edu

Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (London, England : 2000)
|May 10, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D, specifically 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, modulates immune responses. Recent research highlights its role in innate immunity through macrophage synthesis, expanding beyond its known effects on adaptive immunity and bone health.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Vitamin D is traditionally linked to skeletal homeostasis.
  • Emerging evidence shows vitamin D influences human physiology beyond bone health.
  • Active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) is recognized as a potent immune modulator.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the non-classical roles of vitamin D in immunity.
  • To highlight the significance of local vitamin D synthesis in innate immune cells.
  • To discuss the impact of vitamin D on both adaptive and innate immune responses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent studies.
  • Analysis of research on vitamin D's effects on lymphocytes and macrophages.
  • Examination of vitamin D synthesis pathways in immune cells.

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Main Results:

  • Most research has focused on vitamin D's effects on adaptive immunity (lymphocytes).
  • Macrophages synthesize 1,25(OH)2D locally in response to Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling.
  • This local synthesis is a crucial aspect of innate immunity.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D plays a significant role in modulating both adaptive and innate immunity.
  • Local vitamin D synthesis by macrophages represents a key non-classical function.
  • Understanding these roles is vital for a comprehensive view of vitamin D's physiological impact.