The effects of ultraviolet radiation on the human immune system

• Published in: British journal of dermatology (1951) Vol. 140; no. 6; pp. 995 - 1009
• Main Authors: DUTHIE, M. S, KIMBER, I, NORVAL, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford BSL Blackwell Science Ltd 01.06.1999; Blackwell; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Animals; Antioxidants - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Biological effects of radiation; cytokine regulation; Cytokines - biosynthesis; DNA Damage; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; immune system; Immune System - radiation effects; immunosuppression; Killer Cells, Natural - radiation effects; Langerhans cells; Langerhans Cells - radiation effects; macrophages; Macrophages - radiation effects; Mice; natural killer cells; Non ionizing radiations. Hertzian waves. Biooptics; Rats; Selenium - therapeutic use; Skin - immunology; Skin - metabolism; Skin - radiation effects; Stereoisomerism; Sunscreening Agents - therapeutic use; T cells; T-Lymphocytes - radiation effects; Tissues, organs and organisms biophysics; ultraviolet irradiation; Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects; Urocanic Acid - metabolism; Natural killer cell; Human; Antigen presentation; Ultraviolet radiation; Langerhans cell; T-Lymphocyte; Review; Biological effect; Macrophage; Immune system
• ISSN: 0007-0963; 1365-2133
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1999.02898.x

The adverse outcome of increased ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on human health is currently of concern. While many experiments have been carried out in rodent models, fewer have been designed to test the effects of UV exposure in human subjects. This review concentrates on the modulations induced in the human immune system by UV, and outlines changes in antigen presentation by Langerhans cells and macrophages, in the activities of natural killer cells and T cells, and in cytokine regulation. Precautionary measures which might be taken to help protect people against the immunosuppressive action of UV irradiation are considered.