Cell Biology International

Volume 45, Issue 1 p. 54-57

COMMENTARY

The possible double-edged sword effects of vitamin D on COVID-19: A hypothesis

Ehsan Shojaeefar,

Ehsan Shojaeefar

Immunology Board for Transplantation and Advanced Cellular Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific and Education Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran

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Narges Malih,

Narges Malih

Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

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Nima Rezaei,

Corresponding Author

Nima Rezaei

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0002-3836-1827

Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran

Correspondence Nima Rezaei, Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran 14194, Iran.

Email: [email protected]

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Ehsan Shojaeefar,

Ehsan Shojaeefar

Immunology Board for Transplantation and Advanced Cellular Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific and Education Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran

Search for more papers by this author

Narges Malih,

Narges Malih

Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Search for more papers by this author

Nima Rezaei,

Corresponding Author

Nima Rezaei

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0002-3836-1827

Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran

Correspondence Nima Rezaei, Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran 14194, Iran.

Email: [email protected]

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 29 September 2020

https://doi.org/10.1002/cbin.11469

Citations: 11

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Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) gains access to host cells by attaching to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Vitamin D (VitD) can upregulate ACE2 and has an antagonistic effect on Renin, which exerts a vasodilatation and anti-inflammatory effect against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, it may also facilitate viral entry by increasing ACE2 as the main SARS-CoV-2 receptor and mediates ROS production through NADPH oxidase, as a double-edged sword effect. Lung function and the immune system are also influenced by VitD through several mechanisms, including increased natural antibiotics (Defensin and Cathelicidin) and upregulated transforming growth factor-β. A higher IgA, Th2/Th1 ratio, and T-regulatory cells are attributable to VitD effects on the immune cells, while these changes may also be a double-edged sword in COVID-19. Although VitD supplementation might be highly recommended in COVID-19, the administration's dosage and route could be challenging. Furthermore, this issue has not been mentioned in various studies so far. So, the report aimed to explain the current challenges with the application of VitD in COVID-19.

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Data sharing is not applicable to this article, as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

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Volume45, Issue1

January 2021

Pages 54-57

The possible double-edged sword effects of vitamin D on COVID-19: A hypothesis

Abstract

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

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The possible double-edged sword effects of vitamin D on COVID-19: A hypothesis

Abstract

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

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Citing Literature

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