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Updated: May 25, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Dermal mast cells affect the development of sunlight-induced skin tumours
Seri N E Sarchio1, Lai-Fong Kok, Clare O'Sullivan
1Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation contained in sunlight is considered a major risk in the induction of skin cancer. While mast cells are best known for their role in allergic responses, they have also been shown to play a crucial role in suppressing the anti-tumour immune response following UV exposure. Evidence is now emerging that UV may also trigger mast cell release of cutaneous tissue remodelling and pro-angiogenic factors. In this review, we will focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which UV recruits and then activates mast cells to initiate and promote skin cancer development.
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