title: Ultraviolet immunosuppression: mechanisms and consequences.
abstract: It is well recognized that exposure to solar radiation has several detrimental consequences, both acute and chronic. The suppression of immune functions remains one of the most intriguing phenomena brought about by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This concept has challenged experts from various disciplines including dermatology, immunology, and photobiology. Although controversies exist regarding the mechanisms involved, the consensus is that UV immune suppression contributes significantly to the growth of cutaneous malignancies--both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. It is therefore a critical issue to be addressed in the context of developing and using sun protection strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
authors.forename: Kaija K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Hanneman
authors.forename: Kevin D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Elma D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Baron
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology*; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents