Effects of low‐dose ultraviolet radiation on in vivo human cutaneous recall responses

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Relatively few studies have examined the effects of low‐dose ultraviolet (UV) radiation on in vivo human cutaneous immunity, or the ability of sunscreens to prevent UV‐induced immunosuppression. We have studied the effects of solar‐simulated UV radiation on nickel contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in nickel‐allergic volunteers, and on delayed type hypersensitivity responses in Mantoux‐positive volunteers. Nickel CHS and Mantoux responses were significantly suppressed by acute, suberythemal UV exposures equivalent to less than 8 min summer sunlight. Both UVA and UVB wavebands were immunosuppressive, but UVA‐induced immunosuppression was transient, whereas UVB had a more sustained effect. Dose–responses for UV immunosuppression were determined using the nickel method, enabling calculation of in vivo sunscreen immune protection factors in a manner analogous with sun protection factor measurement. Sunscreens were found to confer significantly less protection against UV‐induced immunosuppression than against UV‐induced erythema.

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