Recent advances in urocanic acid photochemistry, photobiology and photoimmunology.
Urocanic acid (UCA), produced in the upper layers of mammalian skin, is a major absorber of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Originally thought to be a 'natural sunscreen', studies conducted a quarter of a century ago proposed that UCA may be a chromophore for the immunosuppression that follows exposure to UVR. With its intriguing photochemistry, its role in immunosuppression and skin cancer development, and skin barrier function, UCA continues to be the subject of intense research effort. This review summarises the photochemical, photobiological and photoimmunological findings regarding UCA, published since 1998.
Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester Medical School, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK M13 9PT. neil.gibbs@manchester.ac.uk
Neil K
NK
Gibbs
Joanne
J
Tye
Mary
M
Norval
D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018462:Photobiology; D010777:Photochemistry; D014560:Urocanic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*
D002273:Carcinogens; D014560:Urocanic Acid