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Mechanisms underlying UV-induced immune suppression: implications for sunscreen design.
Stephen E Ullrich1, Margaret L Kripke, Honnavara N Ananthaswamy
1Department of Immunology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Medical Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA. sullrich@mdanderson.org
Experimental Dermatology
|November 26, 2002
Summary
Sunlight
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Photobiology
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can suppress the immune system.
- Previous research demonstrated that solar-simulated UV radiation (UVA + UVB) impairs immunological memory and delayed-type hypersensitivity to Candida albicans.
- UVA wavelengths alone were found to be as effective as UVA + UVB in inducing immune suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of UV-induced immune suppression.
- To investigate the role of specific cytokines and DNA damage in UV-mediated immune modulation.
Main Methods:
- UV-irradiated mice were treated with anti-interleukin-10 (IL-10) antibody or recombinant IL-12.
- Spleens of UV-exposed mice were analyzed for the presence of antigen-specific suppressor T cells.
- Liposomes containing bacteriophage T4N5 were applied to the skin of UV-exposed mice to assess the role of DNA damage.
Main Results:
- Immune suppression was abrogated in mice treated with anti-IL-10 or recombinant IL-12.
- Antigen-specific suppressor T cells were identified in UV-exposed mice.
- Topical application of T4N5 liposomes prevented UV-induced immune suppression, highlighting the role of DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- UV radiation-induced immune suppression is mediated by pathways involving IL-10 and IL-12.
- The generation of suppressor T cells contributes to UV-induced immune modulation.
- UV-induced DNA damage is a critical factor in the suppression of established immune responses.