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B7-H3 promotes skin photodamage through ITGA2-NRF2-TFAM-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress

Yuanyuan Jia1,2,3,4, Qiange Zhang1,3,4, Fangying Su1,5

  • 1Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.

Communications Biology
|May 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Ultraviolet radiation causes skin damage by affecting mitochondria. Blocking B7-H3 (CD276) protein reduces this damage by preserving mitochondrial function and antioxidant signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure causes skin photodamage, leading to photoaging and skin cancer.
  • UVR disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to skin damage.
  • The role of B7-H3 (CD276), an immune-checkpoint molecule, in UVR-induced skin damage and redox imbalance is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of B7-H3 in UVR-induced skin photodamage.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which B7-H3 contributes to skin damage.
  • To evaluate B7-H3 as a potential therapeutic target for skin photodamage.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed B7-H3 levels in human photodamaged skin and UVR-induced mouse and cell models.
  • Utilized genetic deletion and antibody blockade of B7-H3 in experimental models.
  • Investigated the interaction of B7-H3 with integrin α2 (ITGA2) and its effects on antioxidant signaling pathways (NRF2, NRF1-TFAM).

Main Results:

  • B7-H3 levels were elevated in photodamaged skin.
  • Genetic or antibody-mediated blockade of B7-H3 reduced ROS, preserved mitochondrial function, and alleviated photodamage.
  • B7-H3 interacts with ITGA2, inhibiting NRF2 nuclear translocation and disrupting the NRF1-TFAM pathway, impairing mitochondrial biogenesis and redox balance.

Conclusions:

  • The B7-H3/ITGA2 interaction in skin contributes to photodamage by disrupting mitochondrial function and redox balance.
  • Targeting B7-H3 offers a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating skin photodamage and related conditions.

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