Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Immune System and Influence of Local Photoprotective Substanceson UVR-Induced Immunosuppression

Overview

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of the UVB- and UVA-region suppresses immunity and in the dose relation mannerit induces cutaneous or systemic state of immunotolerance. It was proved by the successful experimental transplan-tation of a tumor graft to the skin of UV-radiated animals and on the other side by unsuccessful attempts at skincontact-sensitization.UVR induces this condition either by direct inhibition of antigen-presentating function of the Langerhans cells,or indirectly by the stimulation of secretion of immunomodulatory cytokines in keratinocytes. UVR inhibits alsofunctions of the natural killer cells in apoptotic and lytic cell-processes. It directly correlates with carcinogenity inconditions of the disbalance in developing expression of the tumor-suppresive gene p53, mutated by the irradiationand that of bcl-2 gene preventing apoptotic changes in somatic cells.Moreover, the immunosuppression is enhanced by the isomerization of urocanic acid and by the development ofdamaged DNA-photoproducts. Also various neuropeptides, namely propiomelanocortin, have their partial role inimmunomodulation. Local photoprotective substances prevent UVR-penetration into the skin and thus block theimmunosuppressive effects in relation to their chemical composition and to the SPF (solar photoprotective factor)value. Their effect depends on the width of the UVR-region blocked, which should include both the UVB and UVAband, and also on the concentration, chemical stability and on the method of their application.

Key words:
photobiology, photodermatology, photoimunology.