The macrophage: a new factor in UVR-induced melanomagenesis.

UVR is one of the major risk factors for melanoma development. However, the mechanisms by which UVR leads to the development of melanoma are not fully understood. Handoko et al. (this issue) explicitly indicate that macrophages are essential for UVR-induced melanocyte proliferation and migration using a neonatal mouse model. Although the functions and mechanisms of macrophages on melanoma development must be investigated further, the link between macrophages and melanocyte responses is striking, suggesting that macrophages might be a target for preventing UVR-induced melanoma.