UV exposure and protection against allergic airways disease.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small and large conducting airway mucosa characterised by Th2 cell immunity. Allergen-specific IgE levels control the immediate response whilst the interplay between airway mucosal antigen presenting cells, Th2 effector cells and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells control the late phase, cell-mediated response. Using two experimental systems in mice with ovalbumin and papain, respectively, as the allergens, UV irradiation of skin prior to allergen sensitisation reduced the expression of allergic airways disease, particularly the late phase response. In this review, the reduced Th2-driven, asthma-like responses in respiratory tissues of UV-irradiated mice are detailed. Possible mechanisms of UV regulation are debated. The potential beneficial effects of UV irradiation of skin in controlling allergic airways disease are discussed. This review gives some scientific understanding to century-old anecdotal reports that beach and mountain resort holidays associated with increased UV exposure are beneficial in asthma treatment.
Gorman
Shelley
S
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia 6872.
McGlade
Jacqueline P
JP
Lambert
Misty J M
MJ
Strickland
Deborah H
DH
Thomas
Jennifer A
JA
Hart
Prue H
PH
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000276:immunology
D014807:Vitamin D