Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
12:23

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Published on: October 12, 2012

11.0K

Microbial elements as the initial triggers in the pathogenesis of polymorphic light eruption?

VijayKumar Patra1,2, Peter Wolf2

  • 1Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

Experimental Dermatology
|August 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) may be triggered by UV-induced damage to skin microbes. This damage releases microbial signals that activate the innate immune system, causing the characteristic rash.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The precise trigger for polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is unknown.
  • This study hypothesizes that UV radiation damages skin's microbial communities, initiating PLE.
  • UV-induced damage may release microbial danger signals (DAMPs/PAMPs/CAMPs) that activate the innate immune system.

Discussion:

  • UV radiation can stress skin microbes, leading to the release of damage- or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs/PAMPs) and commensal-associated molecular patterns (CAMPs).
  • These microbial signals can activate the innate immune system via antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as psoriasin, RNase7, HBD-2, and LL-37.
  • AMPs play a role in both innate and adaptive immunity, potentially contributing to PLE pathogenesis.

Key Insights:

  • Evidence suggests microbial, not human, elements may trigger PLE.
  • Topical application of microbial DNA repair enzymes has shown a protective effect in PLE.
  • This supports the hypothesis that UV-induced microbial damage is a key factor in PLE.

Outlook:

  • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific microbial triggers and immune pathways involved in PLE.
  • Investigating the role of the skin microbiome in PLE pathogenesis could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting UV-induced microbial damage or modulating the skin microbiome may offer new avenues for PLE prevention and treatment.
Keywords:
antimicrobial peptidescommensal/pathogen/damage-associated pattern (CAMP/PAMP/DAMP)microbiomepolymorphic light eruptionvitamin D3 analogues

More Related Videos

Primed Mycobacterial Uveitis PMU as a Model for Post-Infectious Uveitis10:33

Primed Mycobacterial Uveitis PMU as a Model for Post-Infectious Uveitis

Published on: December 17, 2021

3.3K
Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation03:20

Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation

Published on: August 19, 2025

2.2K

Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
6.0K
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
4.9K
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.5K
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
3.3K
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
679
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.6K