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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).
Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System01:28

Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
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What is the Immune System?

Overview
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
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Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

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Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

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Vitamin D and the immune system.

Cynthia Aranow1

  • 1Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA. caranow@nshs.edu

Journal of Investigative Medicine : the Official Publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
|April 30, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D plays a crucial role beyond bone health by modulating immune responses. Supplementing vitamin D in deficient individuals with autoimmune conditions may offer significant benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D is recognized for functions beyond calcium and bone homeostasis.
  • The vitamin D receptor is present on various immune cells, including B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells.
  • Immune cells can synthesize the active vitamin D metabolite, enabling local, autocrine action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the immunomodulatory roles of vitamin D.
  • To investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and immune-related conditions.
  • To assess the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in autoimmune diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on vitamin D and the immune system.
  • Analysis of studies investigating vitamin D receptor expression on immune cells.

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  • Examination of research linking vitamin D deficiency to autoimmunity and infection susceptibility.

    • Main Results:

    • Vitamin D can modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses.
    • Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infections.
    • Immune cells in autoimmune diseases show responsiveness to vitamin D's effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Vitamin D possesses significant immunomodulatory capabilities.
    • Vitamin D supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits for individuals with autoimmune diseases, extending beyond bone health.
    • Addressing vitamin D deficiency could be a key strategy in managing immune-related disorders.