Vnitr Lek 2012, 58(10):743-749

Vitamin C and its physiological role with respect to the components of the immune system

D. Holmannová*, M. Koláčková, J. Krejsek
Ústav klinické imunologie a alergologie Lékařské fakulty UK a FN Hradec Králové, přednosta prof. RNDr. Jan Krejsek, CSc.

Vitamin C is a water soluble micronutrient commonly found in our diet which orchestrates the function of both innate and adaptive immune system, influencing both cellular and humoral immune responses. Vitamin C inhibits excessive activation of the immune system to prevent tissue damage, but also supports antibacterial activity, stimulates NK cells and differentiation of Th0 subset into Th1 characterized by interferon γ production. In addition, vitamin C interferes with the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, or with the expression of adhesive molecules. Moreover, vitamin C as an antioxidat protects the immune cells against intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) formed in the inflammatory response. Vitamin C as an enzymatic cofactor is extremely important in maintaining tissue integrity, and plays a crucial role in formation of skin, epithelial and endothelial barriers.

Keywords: vitamin C; immune system; ROS (reactive oxygen species); RNS (reactive nitrogen species)

Received: March 21, 2012; Accepted: June 13, 2012; Published: October 1, 2012  Show citation

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Holmannová D, Koláčková M, Krejsek J. Vitamin C and its physiological role with respect to the components of the immune system. Vnitr Lek. 2012;58(10):743-749.
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