Induction of cellular and molecular Immunomodulatory pathways by vitamin E and vitamin C

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Vitamins E and C are well known small molecules that have been used to maintain health for decades. Recent studies of the cellular and molecular pathways leading to immunomodulation by these molecules have been of interest, as have their anti-oxidant properties and signal transduction pathways for curing or improving infectious diseases and cancer.

Areas covered: Herein, the authors provide a definition and the structural classification of vitamins E and C and how these molecules influence cellular function. The studies include in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies in animal models as well as clinical trials. The authors give particular focus to the scientifically factual and putative roles of these molecules in innate and adaptive immunomodulation and prevention or cure of diseases.

Expert opinion: The antioxidant properties of vitamins E and C are well studied. However, whether there is a link between their antioxidant and immunomodulation properties is unclear. In addition, there is a strong, albeit putative, prevailing notion that vitamin C can prevent or cure infectious diseases or cancer. Presently, while there is proven evidence that vitamin E possesses immunomodulatory properties that may play a positive role in disease outcomes, this evidence is less available for vitamin C.

KEYWORDS:

• Vitamin E
• vitamin C
• immunomodulation
• antioxidants
• infectious disease
• cancer
• vaccine
• adjuvant

Article Highlights

• Vitamins E and C definition and structural classifications and antioxidant properties.

• Induction of intra-cellular signal transduction pathways leading to immunomodulation by vitamins E and C.

• In vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence on the role of vitamins E and C in disease prevention and or treatment

• Induction of functional innate and adaptive immune responses by vitamins E and C.

• Clinical evidence of induction of immunomodulation by vitamins E and C.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of Interest

M Vajdy is a major shareholder and co-owner of EpitoGenesis Inc. Furthermore, S Patel is an employee of EpitoGenesis. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This review was funded in part by EpitoGenesis, Inc. and in part by the State of Connecticut Office of Economic Development.