Illuminating vitamin D effects on B cells – the multiple sclerosis perspective

Summary Vitamin D is associated with many immune‐mediated disorders. In multiple sclerosis ( MS ) a poor vitamin D status is a major environmental factor associated with disease incidence and severity. The inflammation in MS is primarily T‐cell‐mediated, but increasing evidence points to an important role for B cells. This has paved the way for investigating vitamin D effects on B cells. In this review we elaborate on vitamin D interactions with antibody production, T‐cell‐stimulating capacity and regulatory B cells. Although in vitro plasma cell generation and expression of co‐stimulatory molecules are inhibited and the function of regulatory B cells is promoted, this is not supported by in vivo data. We speculate that differences might be explained by the B‐cell–Epstein–Barr virus interaction in MS , the exquisite role of germinal centres in B‐cell biology, and/or in vivo interactions with other hormones and vitamins that interfere with the vitamin D pathways. Further research is warranted to illuminate this tube‐versus‐body paradox.