Vitamin D and estrogen receptor signaling

Both vitamin D and the female sex hormone estrogen seem to down-regulate pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in different cellular systems such as vascular endothelial cells. Thus, both these hormones may be used to antagonize inflammation. We are interested in the underlying signaling pathways explaining vitamin D- and estrogen-induced attenuation of cytokines. Furthermore, we are also investigating the functional importance of vitamin D-evoked induction of the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37.