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Why do T cells express the vitamin D receptor?

2010; Wiley; Volume: 1217; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05823.x

1749-6632

Margherita T. Cantorna,

Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Vitamin D is an important regulator of immune function. T cells express the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and have been shown to be direct and indirect vitamin D targets. Why should T cells be responsive to vitamin D? The data suggest that expression of the VDR is required for the development of two cell types, NKT cells and CD8αα T cells, which inhibit autoimmunity. In addition, effector T cell cytokine production is regulated by vitamin D. Available evidence suggests that NKT and CD8αα T cells express the VDR as part of the selection process to protect against the generation of autoimmunity, particularly in the gut.