Effects of vitamin D on macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) hyperinflammatory response in the lungs of COVID-19 patients

Cell Immunol. 2021 Feb:360:104259. doi: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104259. Epub 2020 Dec 16.

Abstract

Vitamin D regulates homeostasis, anti-microbial response, and inflammation. The vitamin D receptors are expressed in the macrophages and other immune cells, regulating the transcription of many different genes, including those coding the anti-microbial peptides. One of the most severe complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the hyperinflammatory response (commonly called cytokine storm) of the lung macrophages. Studies showed that Vitamin D deficiency increases the severity of the ARDS in COVID-19 infection. We discuss here how the vitamin D supplementation may influence macrophage and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) inflammatory response, subdue the hyperinflammatory response, and lessen the ARDS in COVID-19 patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; Hyperinflammatory response; Macrophages; Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs); SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin D; Vitamin D receptor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COVID-19 / complications
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / pathology*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation / prevention & control
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells / immunology
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells / metabolism
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / metabolism
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / immunology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / pathology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D