Malassezin, a novel agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor from the yeast Malassezia furfur, induces apoptosis in primary human melanocytes.

Pityriasis versicolor is the most common skin mycosis in humans worldwide. Yeasts of the genus Malassezia, particularly M. furfur, a saprophyte occurring widely on human skin, are generally regarded as the causative agents.