New insights into the mechanisms of polymorphic light  eruption: resistance to ultraviolet radiation-induced  immune suppression as an aetiological factor.
An abnormal immune response has long been thought responsible for the patho-aetiology of polymorphic light eruption, the most common photodermatosis. Recent evidence indicates that polymorphic light eruption patients are resistant to the immune suppressive effects of sunlight, a phenomenon that leads to the formation of skin lesions upon seasonal sun exposure. This immunological abnormality in polymorphic light eruption supports the concept of the biological significance and evolutionary logic of sunlight-induced immune suppression, i.e. the prevention of immune responses to photo-induced neo-antigens in the skin, thereby preventing autoimmunity and skin rashes. This article focuses on the immunological alterations in polymorphic light eruption and the pathogenic significance to the disease state and skin carcinogenesis.
Wolf
Peter
P
Research Unit for Photodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. peter.wolf@medunigraz.at
Byrne
Scott N
SN
Gruber-Wackernagel
Alexandra
A
D015551:Autoimmunity; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*