Bystander signals from low- and high-dose irradiated human primary fibroblasts and keratinocytes modulate the inflammatory response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Irradiated cells can propagate signals to neighboring cells. Manifestations of these so-called bystander effects (BEs) are thought to be relatively more important after exposure to low- vs high-dose radiation and can be mediated via the release of secreted molecules, including inflammatory cytokines, from irradiated cells. Thus, BEs can potentially modify the inflammatory environment of irradiated cells.