The role of cytokines in ultraviolet-B induced immunosuppression

Eur Cytokine Netw. 1997 Jun;8(2):117-23.

Abstract

Cytokines play an important role in the mechanisms resulting in ultraviolet B-induced immunosuppression. They play a crucial role in the induction of local as well as systemic immunomodulatory events. Ultraviolet B irradiation directly induces the release of cytokines in the epidermis, resulting in complex and diverse interactions on epidermal cells, which results in migration out of the skin and infiltration into the skin of different cell types. Partly because of the interaction of locally produced cytokines with antigen-presenting cells, systemic effects, such as antigen-specific tolerance, can be observed. This review describes the different mechanisms whereby ultraviolet B exposure affects immune functions with special emphasis on the role of T-cell subsets and cytokines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / radiation effects
  • Cytokines / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / physiology*
  • Immune Tolerance / radiation effects*
  • Keratinocytes / immunology
  • Keratinocytes / radiation effects
  • Langerhans Cells / immunology
  • Langerhans Cells / radiation effects
  • Mice
  • Photoreceptor Cells / physiology
  • Photoreceptor Cells / radiation effects
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Signal Transduction / radiation effects
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / radiation effects
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha