Photoimmunology: how ultraviolet radiation affects the immune system.

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a ubiquitous component of the environment that has important effects on a wide range of cell functions. Short-wavelength UVB radiation induces sunburn and is a potent immunomodulator, yet longer-wavelength, lower-energy UVA radiation also has effects on mammalian immunity. This Review discusses current knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which UV radiation can modify innate and adaptive immune responses and how this immunomodulatory capacity can be both beneficial in the case of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and detrimental in the case of skin cancer and the response to several infectious agents.

• Authors: Jamie J Bernard, Richard L Gallo, Jean Krutmann
• Journal: Nature reviews. Immunology (Nat Rev Immunol) Vol. 19 Issue 11 Pg. 688-701 (11 2019) ISSN: 1474-1741 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 31213673 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
• Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
• Receptors, Pattern Recognition
• Urocanic Acid

Topics

• Adaptive Immunity (radiation effects)
• Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides (physiology)
• DNA Damage
• Humans
• Immune System (radiation effects)
• Immunity, Innate
• Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon (physiology)
• Receptors, Pattern Recognition (physiology)
• Ultraviolet Rays
• Urocanic Acid (pharmacology)