Modulation of the immune system by UV radiation: more than just the effects of vitamin D?
Author: Hart PH, Gorman S, Finlay-Jones JJ.
Affiliation:
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, Perth, Western Australia 6872, Australia. prueh@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Conference/Journal: Nat Rev Immunol.
Date published: 2011 Aug
Other:
Volume ID: 11 , Issue ID: 9 , Pages: 584-96 , Word Count: 113
Humans obtain most of their vitamin D through the exposure of skin to sunlight. The immunoregulatory properties of vitamin D have been demonstrated in studies showing that vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor immune function and increased disease susceptibility. The benefits of moderate ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and the positive latitude gradients observed for some immune-mediated diseases may therefore reflect the activities of UV-induced vitamin D. Alternatively, other mediators that are induced by UV radiation may be more important for UV-mediated immunomodulation. Here, we compare and contrast the effects of UV radiation and vitamin D on immune function in immunopathological diseases, such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and asthma, and during infection.
PMID: 21852793
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