Immune response pathways in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells are induced by ultraviolet B via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation

Muto, Yasuko; Tsukimoto, Mitsutoshi*; Homma, Takujiro*; Kojima, Shuji*

The effect of sunlight on the development of allergic diseases is not well understood. In this study, we show that increased production of the proinflammatory mediators IL-10, TNF-, and NO induced by UVB is mediated via the MAPK signaling pathway in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. UVB induced the production of proinflammatory mediators via activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting that sunlight might promote the development of allergic diseases (such as dermatitis) through an augmented inflammatory response involving the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and NO.