Vitamin A as a regulator of antigen presenting cells

Vitamin A has been long associated with immune system competence. Vitamin A deficiency is known to compromise many aspects of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent advances in retinol uptake and metabolism have identified the antigen presenting cell (APC) as a central immune cell capable of vitamin A metabolism. APC are now known to express retinaldehyde dehydrogenase and secrete retinoic acid. The retinoic acid produced has both autocrine and paracrine effects. Autocrine effects include upregulation of CD1d nonclassical major histocompatibility class I-like molecule and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Paracrine effects influence multiple lymphocyte lineage cell populations. Specifically, retinoic acid increases IgA isotype class switching by B lymphocytes, enhances regulatory T cell differentiation, and directs homing of lymphocytes to mucosa. CD1d lipid antigen presentation expands natural killer T cell populations. Previously, the focus of vitamin A action in adaptive immunity was on lymphocytes, but these recent advances suggest the APC may be the central player in carrying out the immune system functions of vitamin A.