Immune Responses in Polymorphic Light Eruption: A Double-Edged Sword

Ultraviolet radiation usually causes an immunosuppressive response that is muted in patients with PLE, which could protect them from skin cancer.

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is the most common cutaneous photosensitivity disease, with an estimated prevalence of 10% to 15% in the U.S. The disease manifests as a skin rash with variable characteristics during the spring and summer months following exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Mechanisms of immunity have been proposed to play a part in PLE pathogenesis. In this study, investigators closely examined the immunosuppressive effects of UV radiation in 24 patients with PLE and 24 healthy sex- and age-matched controls.

The researchers applied the sensitizing agent diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) to a localized area of skin pre-exposed to UV radiation. About 80% to 90% of healthy individuals develop a contact …

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)