Editorial
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Virol. Dec 25, 2024; 13(4): 100356
Published online Dec 25, 2024. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i4.100356
Impact of vitamin D on COVID-19 and other viral diseases
Basavraj S Nagoba, Ajay M Gavkare, Abhijit S Rayate, Neeta Nanaware, Sachin Bhavthankar
Basavraj S Nagoba, Department of Microbiology, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Latur 413531, India
Ajay M Gavkare, Department of Physiology, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Latur 413531, India
Abhijit S Rayate, Department of Surgery, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Latur 413531, India
Neeta Nanaware, Department of Physiology, Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College, Latur 413512, Maharashtra, India
Sachin Bhavthankar, Department of Biochemistry, MIMSR Medical College, Latur 413512, India
Author contributions: Nagoba BS designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Gavkare AM, Rayate AS, Nanaware N, and Bhavthankar S contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; Nagoba BS, Gavkare AM, and Rayate AS contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript and literature review; All authors contributed to finalizing the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Basavraj S Nagoba, PhD, Professor, Department of Microbiology, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Vishwanathpuram, Ambajogai Road, Latur 413531, India. dr_bsnagoba@yahoo.com
Received: August 14, 2024
Revised: September 10, 2024
Accepted: September 27, 2024
Published online: December 25, 2024
Processing time: 64 Days and 20.1 Hours
Abstract

This editorial aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between vitamin D and viral pathogenesis. It explores the anticipated role of vitamin D as a modulator in the immune response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other viral pathogens. The editorial comments are based on the review article by Engin et al. The potential role of vitamin D in modulating immune responses has been highlighted by several studies, suggesting that it may influence both the risk and severity of infections. Vitamin D receptors are present in immunocompetent cells, which indicates that vitamin D can potentially modulate innate and adaptive immune responses. This context is relevant in the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), where the immune response to the virus can significantly impact the disease progression and outcome. The immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D can protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection by enhancing innate and adaptive immune responses. It also maintains the integrity of the body's physical barriers and modulates inflammatory responses, thereby preventing entry and replication of the virus. Many studies have suggested that adequate vitamin D levels help alleviate morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation has been linked with a lower risk of severe disease and mortality in COVID-19 patients, particularly in those with a deficiency during seasons with less sunlight exposure.

Keywords: COVID-19; Immunomodulation; Pandemic; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Vitamin D

Core Tip: Amidst the global health crisis, where coronavirus disease 2019 has claimed millions of lives and disrupted the very fabric of society, the quest for effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies has become paramount. Vitamin D, a secosteroid with profound immunomodulatory effects, emerges as a molecule of consequence in this narrative. However, the scientific discourse must be unanimous, as current literature presents conflicting evidence and viewpoints reflecting the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry.