Immune-modifying properties of topical vitamin D: Focus on dendritic cells and T cells.

Topical creams containing the active form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; 1,25(OH)2D3) or analogues of this compound are currently used with some success to treat skin conditions including psoriasis and vitiligo. As well as targeting inflammatory processes in the skin, topical application of 1,25(OH)2D3 also affects the function of immune cells in the skin and draining lymph nodes. Topically applied 1,25(OH)2D3 reduces the number of dendritic cells in the skin, resulting in suppressed immunity and in particular reduced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses. Topical 1,25(OH)2D3 may also promote the migration of dendritic cells from the skin to the draining lymph nodes. Skin application of 1,25(OH)2D3 prevented the inflammatory effects of UVB irradiation on lymph node hypertrophy, when cell numbers were examined 4 days after skin treatment. In contrast, when 1,25(OH)2D3 was applied to UVB irradiated skin, there was no reversal in the suppression of CHS responses caused by UVB irradiation. Instead, 1,25(OH)2D3 had an additive effect with UVB to suppress CHS responses to a greater degree than UVB alone. In these studies, 1,25(OH)2D3 was applied to the treated skin of BALB/c mice immediately following UVB irradiation. Finally, topical 1,25(OH)2D3 also enhanced the number and suppressive activity of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in the lymphatic tissue draining skin.