Enhancement of Candida albicans killing activity of separated human epidermal cells by ultraviolet radiation.

Ultraviolet irradiation enhanced the Candida albicans killing activity of freshly separated human epidermal cells in vitro. The stimulation was dose-dependent and was not due to soluble extracellular factors acting on non-irradiated epidermal cells. The enhancement of the killing activity remained unchanged when epidermal cells were depleted of Langerhans cells. Protein synthesis inhibitors and prostaglandin antagonists abrogated the ultraviolet-induced augmentation of killing activity.