Development of melanoma has been linked to excessive childhood exposure to sunlight. As neonates have a relatively underdeveloped immune system, it is likely that the immune system reacts differently to the exposure, leading to alterations in this development. This study was designed to assess changes in development of the skin immune system following neonatal irradiation. Ultraviolet radiation exposure led to relative depletion of Langerhans cells, however this was not due to migration or cell death, but rather restriction of Langerhans cells populating the epidermis. During this time, there was evidence of cellular damage, however there was no induction of an inflammatory response. It therefore appears that neonatal exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to a skew towards a tolerogenic immune response, which may lead to a reduced ability to respond to ultraviolet radiation-induced tumours.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Immunology
Research Field:	Cellular Immunology
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions)
Objective Field:	Cancer and Related Disorders
Author:	McGee, HM (Dr Heather McGee)
Author:	Dharmadasa, T (Miss Dharmadasa)
Author:	Woods, GM (Professor Gregory Woods)
ID Code:	58574
Year Published:	2009
Web of Science® Times Cited:	2
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2009-10-14
Last Modified:	2010-04-15
Downloads:	0