Immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D on monocyte-derived dendritic cells in multiple sclerosis.

In order to evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 on monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients, DCs differentiation and maturation were evaluated in vitro based on surface phenotypic changes. The expression of CD14, CD83, CD1a, CD80, CD86, CD206 and C209 was analysed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The results reveal that vitamin D3 inhibits both the differentiation and maturation of DCs. Moreover, inhibits the secretion of IL 23/12p40 and increases the secretion of CCL2. The data suggest that one of the mechanisms of the beneficial action of vitamin D3 in multiple sclerosis may be associated with its influence on DCs.