Ultraviolet radiation-induced tolerance.

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the most important environmental factors. Besides its well-known advantages and its indispensable effects on human life, UV light, particularly the middle wavelength range (290-320 nm [UVB]), can harm human health by inducing skin cancer, premature skin aging, inflammation, and cell death (1-4). Over the last 25 years, it has become apparent that exposure to UVB radiation may also suppress immune reactions. Review of the numerous studies on the immunosuppressive properties of UV radiation led to two quite surprising observations: 1) that UV exposure can have systemic immunologic consequences 2) that UV radiation can induce antigen-specific tolerance. This paper briefly reviews the phenomenon of UV-induced tolerance.