The Immunomodulatory Function of Vitamin D, with Particular Reference to SARS-CoV-2
Alberto Caballero-García,
David C. Noriega,
Hugo J. Bello,
Enrique Roche,
Alfredo Córdova-Martínez
Affiliations
Alberto Caballero-García
Department of Anatomy and Radiology, Health Sciences Faculty, GIR of Physical Exercise and Aging, Campus Universitario “Los Pajaritos”, 42004 Soria, Spain
David C. Noriega
Spine Department, Valladolid University Hospital, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
Hugo J. Bello
Department of Mathematics, School of Forestry Industry and Agronomic Engineering and Bioenergy, GIR of Physical Exercise and Aging, Campus Universitario “Los Pajaritos”, 42004 Soria, Spain
Enrique Roche
Department of Applied Biology-Nutrition, Institute of Bioengineering, University Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
Alfredo Córdova-Martínez
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, GIR of Physical Exercise and Aging, Campus Universitario “Los Pajaritos”, Valladolid University, 42004 Soria, Spain
Vaccines are the only way to reduce the morbidity associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The appearance of new mutations urges us to increase the effectiveness of vaccines as a complementary alternative. In this context, the use of adjuvant strategies has improved the effectiveness of different vaccines against virus infections such as dengue, influenza, and common cold. Recent reports on patients infected by COVID-19 reveal that low levels of circulating vitamin D correlate with a severe respiratory insufficiency. The immunomodulatory activity of this micronutrient attenuates the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and at the same time, increases antibody production. Therefore, the present review proposes the use of vitamin D as adjuvant micronutrient to increase the efficacy of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
