UV-INDUCED IMMUNOSUPPRESSION AND SKIN CAN CERS

Introduction. - The increased incidence of skin cancers is due to modi fications of our behavior toward solar exposure. Photocarcinogenesis r epresents the sum of complex and intricated events that lead to the oc currence of skin cancers. Current knowledge and key points. - In epide rmic cells UV light induces lesions of DNA that lead to modifications in oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression. W-induced immunosupp ression is also important for tumoral promotion UV exposure decreases the number of Langerhans cells in the epidermis and modifies their ant igen-presenting cell capacity. Numerous experimental data obtained in animal models clearly indicate the existence of a relationship between UV-induced immune suppression and skin cancers. In humans, graving ev idence suggests that skin cancers and photoimmunosuppression are linke d Future prospects and projects, - Better knowledge of mechanisms invo lved in W-induced immune suppression is essential for developing new s trategies aimed at photoprotection and cancer prevention. (C) 1998, El sevier, Paris.