Solar Radiation and Human Microbiome

Sunlight, with UV radiation as a major component, is a major environmental factor shaping human skin biology, with well-established effects on barrier function, immune responses, and cellular homeostasis. In parallel, the skin microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and modulating host–environment interactions. Emerging evidence suggests a dynamic interplay between UV exposure and the skin microbial ecosystem, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This collection aims to highlight current research on the interactions between UV radiation and the human microbiota of the skin and beyond. Topics of interest include direct and indirect effects of UV and visible light on microbial viability, composition, and function, as well as host-mediated responses that influence microbial communities.



Studies investigating UV-induced changes in microbial diversity, microbial–host interactions, and their consequences for skin physiology are particularly encouraged. Contributions exploring the role of the skin microbiota in photoprotection, UV-induced damage, inflammation, repair processes, and photoaging are also welcome. This collection seeks experimental, clinical, and translational studies that advance our understanding of how UV–microbiota interactions impact human skin health and disease.