Summary
This narrative review examines the immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D across multiple immune-related disorders, moving beyond its classical role in calcium–phosphate homeostasis. The authors synthesise emerging evidence on how the vitamin D receptor, expressed widely in immune cells, influences both innate and adaptive immunity and promotes tolerogenic immune conditions. The review acknowledges that research findings are sometimes conflicting and notes associations between vitamin D insufficiency and severe autoimmune disease, whilst recognising this remains a relatively nascent field of inquiry.
Regional applicability
As a narrative review with no specific geography, the immunological mechanisms described are universally relevant. However, the clinical applicability to United Kingdom populations would depend on local vitamin D status distribution and the specific autoimmune conditions examined; the review does not provide UK-specific prevalence or policy recommendations.
Key measures
Vitamin D receptor expression in immune cell types; vitamin D's role in innate and acquired immune cell modulation; vitamin D status (deficiency/insufficiency) in autoimmune disease populations
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on vitamin D's immunomodulatory mechanisms across innate and adaptive immune responses and its role in autoimmune and immune-related disease pathophysiology. It examines associations between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and severe autoimmune illness.
Topic tags
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