Immunomodulatory and Immunosuppressive Roles of 1α,25(OH)2D3 in Autoimmune Diseases

Background Autoimmune diseases are pathological conditions characterized by abnormal. responses, accompanied by auto-antibodies to self-molecules. The roles vitamin D in autoimmune diseases has increased significantly in the recent past from its functions in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, it is now involved in the regulations and proliferations of Th1 and Th17 lymphocyte. 1α,25(OH)2D3 in very important in ameliorations of inflammatory disorders arising from autoimmune diseases, but the mechanism by which this is done is still a bone of contentions. Aim This review aimed to highlight the existing facts about the roles of Vitamin D in the treatment and management of autoimmune diseases. Methods An extensive online literature search was conducted using PubMed, Medline and Scopus. Results Accumulated bodies of research evidence are available which demonstrates that Vitamin D has a very important part to play in the regulation of immune responses in autoimmune diseases. Some of the authors suggested that Vitamin D3 carryout its Immunosuppressive and immune modulatory action, through its actions on antigen presenting cells and activated T and B-cells with the help of Vitamin D receptors (VDR) present on the each of these cells. Conclusions Vitamin D supplementation assist in autoimmune disorders by making qualitative and quantitative changes in the immune system (down-regulation of Th1 and up-regulations of Th2 cells). This resulted in the body to be more tolerant of self and less likely to mount autoimmune responses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.