UVB irradiation modulates systemic immune responses by affecting cytokine production of antigen-presenting cells.
The immunosuppressive effects of UVB irradiation have been well documented. The production of cytokines by keratinocytes is considered to play a major role in the induction of local as well as systemic immunosuppression. It is thought that partly due to the interaction of locally produced cytokines with antigen-presenting cells (APC) systemic effects, like antigen-specific tolerance, can be induced. In this study we examined the effect of UVB irradiation on cytokine profiles of peripheral APC as well as the functional consequences. Our results indicate that UVB irradiation impairs T(h)1-mediated immune responses in vivo by suppression of the systemic IL-12p70 production. Splenic APC from UVB-exposed mice showed an enhanced production of prostaglandin E(2), IL-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha after in vitro stimulation. Also, spleen cells from UVB irradiated IL-4(-/-) mice showed increased IL-6 levels. These APC were less efficient in inducing IFN-gamma production by CD4(+) T cells and suppressed IgM production by B cells. We conclude that the altered cytokine profile of peripheral APC can be responsible for the systemic effects of UVB irradiation on the T(h)1/T(h)2 balance as well as on B cell responses.
Boonstra
A
A
Department of Immunology, Erasmus University and University Hospital Rotterdam, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
van Oudenaren
A
A
Barendregt
B
B
An
L
L
Leenen
P J
PJ
Savelkoul
H F
HF
D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000235:genetics; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000528:radiation effects; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008819:Mice, Nude; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D016207:Cytokines; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D016753:Interleukin-10; D018664:Interleukin-12; D015847:Interleukin-4