Effects of ultraviolet light on human serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and systemic immune function

Many immune-mediated diseases are associated with low levels of vitamin D and sunlight. UV light or supplementation with vitamin D can increase regulatory T-cell activity and prevent animal models of autoimmune disease. Increasing population vitamin D levels may therefore alleviate the burden of human immune-mediated disease.

To determine the responses of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, regulatory T-cell numbers, and immune function to UV light exposure in patients being treated for skin disease.

Twenty-four subjects with skin disease from the North of Scotland were recruited between December and March. At baseline, and after 2 and 4 weeks of narrowband UV light exposure, we measured peripheral blood 25(OH)D level, numbers of regulatory T cells (CD4(+)CD25(hi)FoxP3(+)), and T-cell proliferative and cytokine responses to anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation.

Median (interquartile range) narrowband UV-B received during the study was 39.1 (30.9) as standard erythema dose, comparable to a quarter of the median summer sunlight exposure received locally. This increased the 25(OH)D level from a mean ± SD of 34 ± 17 nmol/L to 58 ± 16 nmol/L after 2 weeks and 78 ± 19 nmol/L after 4 weeks. The mean proportion of circulating regulatory T cells increased from 0.5% to 1.6% CD3(+) cells, which significantly correlated with the increased 25(OH)D level. UV treatment was also followed by reduced proliferative and IL-10 responses to anti-CD3/CD28 independent of the 25(OH)D level.

Narrowband UV light reduces systemic immune responsiveness via the induction of regulatory T cells. Light and 25(OH)D levels may affect particular immune functions independently. The levels of serum 25(OH)D over which these effects are apparent should guide future interventions.