S179D prolactin diminishes the effects of UV light on epidermal gamma delta T cells

Epidermal gamma delta T cells (γδT) and Langerhans cells (LC) are immune cells altered by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVB), a powerful stressor resulting in immune suppression. Prolactin (PRL) has been characterized as an immunomodulator, particularly during stress. In this study, we have asked whether separate administration of the 2 major forms of prolactin, unmodified and phosphorylated, to groups of 15 mice (3 experiments, each with 5 mice per treatment group) affected the number and morphology of these epidermal immune cells under control conditions, and following UV-irradiation. Under control conditions, both PRLs reduced the number of γδT, but a molecular mimic of phosphorylated PRL (S179D PRL) was more effective, resulting in a 30% reduction. In the irradiated group, however, S179D PRL was protective against a UV-induced reduction in γδT number and change in morphology (halved the reduction and normalized the morphology). In addition, S179D PRL, but not unmodified (U-PRL), maintained a normal LC:γδT ratio and sustained the dendritic morphology of LC after UV exposure. These findings suggest that S179D PRL may have an overall protective effect, countering UV-induced cellular alterations in the epidermis.