Modulation Of The Immune System By UV Radiation: More Than Just The Effects Of Vitamin D?
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Nature
School
Office of Research and Innovation
RAS ID
12482
Abstract
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.
DOI
10.1038/nri3045
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Hart, P. H., Gorman, S., & Finlay-Jones, J. J. (2011). Modulation of the immune system by UV radiation: more than just the effects of vitamin D? Nature Review Immunology, 11(9), 584-596.Access article here