The potential role and value of vitamin D in the treatment of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis remains a prevalent and serious chronic bacterial infection worldwide. Despite significant advancements in TB treatment in recent years, it continues to pose a major public health challenge. The onset and progression of TB are closely associated with individuals who are immunocompromised, as most patients also present comorbidities such as HIV, diabetes mellitus, and nutritional deficiencies. Consequently, the development of new, non-toxic immunomodulatory drugs or treatment strategies may offer viable solutions to these issues. Vitamin D not only plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism while maintaining bone health but is also a key regulator of the innate immune response against microbial infections. Furthermore, many tuberculosis patients exhibit low levels of vitamin D; thus, vitamin D may represent an important resource for enhancing immune responses against <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> infections. This review discusses the immune response mechanisms, vitamin D synthesis processes, and metabolic pathways activated in hosts following infection with <i>M. tuberculosis</i>. It emphasizes how vitamin D contributes to immune regulation and its potential role in combating <i>M. tuberculosis</i> infections within the human body. This literature review aims to provide theoretical support for developing new drugs and treatment strategies for clinical management of anti-<i>M. tuberculosis</i> infections.