The multifunctional properties and characteristics of vitamin D-binding protein

In recent years, our understanding of the many physiological, biochemical, and molecular functions and attributes of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) h as seen exciting and significant advances. Since its identification in 1959 , many important functions of this abundant serum protein have been discove red. These range from the transport of vitamin D metabolites to possible ro les in the immune system and host defense. With these discoveries, many que stions regarding the biology of DBP have been raised and many remain to be answered. Our current understanding of the classic and less-recognized acti vities of DBP is discussed here.