The role of cytokines in UV-induced systemic immune suppression

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation induces skin cancer. In addition, UV exposure suppresses the immune response. The mechanism by which skin exposure to UV induces systemic immune suppression is not entirely clear, but a role for cytokines secreted by irradiated epidermal cells has been described. Ultimately, these immune regulatory cytokines affect antigen presenting cell function at distant sites. We describe here preliminary findings suggesting that one consequence of UV exposure is an alteration of IL-12 production by lymph node dendritic cells that result in impaired immune function.