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Illuminating vitamin D effects on B cells – the multiple sclerosis perspective
Author(s) -
Rolf Linda,
Muris AnneHilde,
Hupperts Raymond,
Damoiseaux Jan
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.297
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1365-2567
pISSN - 0019-2805
DOI - 10.1111/imm.12572
Subject(s) - multiple sclerosis , immune system , vitamin d and neurology , biology , germinal center , b cell , vitamin , regulatory b cells , inflammation , immunology , antibody , in vivo , cell , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , genetics
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.