Involvement of T cells in early evolving segmental vitiligo

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested an overlapping autoimmune mechanism between segmental vitiligo (SV) and nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV). Although T-cell infiltration is observed in the margins of active lesions in NSV, the histopathological characteristics of the active margin of SV are not well known. To determine if T-cell inflammatory responses are present in the active margin of SV lesions, biopsies were taken from the active margin of a lesion in 12 patients with early or actively spreading SV and compared with a normal control sample (on the symmetrical, opposite site of the same dermatome). The samples were stained for CD4, CD8, CD25 and interferon-γ. Lymphocytic infiltration was seen in 70% of patients. CD4+ T cells infiltrated the dermis, while CD8+ T cells were present in the epidermis or attached to the basal layer. The increase in the number of CD8+ T cells was significant (P < 0.04), while CD4+ or CD25+ T cells also appeared to be increased in number, but this was not significant. These results suggest that SV also has an autoimmune mechanism in the early evolving stage.

Autoimmunity in Segmental Vitiligo

“…In a relatively small study, immunohistochemistry revealed a lesional lymphocytic infiltrate in 8/12 of progressing SV patients comparable to NSV with a predominance of CD8 + T cells migrating toward the basal layer. A non-significant increase in IFN-g was observed (23). In a larger study (SV n = 50), histopathological inflammatory features were noticed in 78% (38/50) of patients.…”

Understanding the Role of Lymphocytes in Vitiligo

“…• Mutated melanocytes are possible targets in genetically determined mosaic patterns in segmental vitiligo (SV) or some cases of nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV). This is leading to one attack of permanent and localized depigmentation early in life [30].…”

Immunophenotypic Analysis Reveals Differences in Circulating Immune Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Segmental and Nonsegmental Vitiligo

“…Only recently, immunemediated pathophysiology of SV has been recognized. Increasing evidence has shown immune-based cytotoxic destruction of melanocytes in SV, with lesional IFN-γ-producing melanocyte-antigen reactive CD8 + T cell infiltrates migrating to the basal layer (Attili and Attili, 2013, Shin et al, 2016, van Geel et al, 2010. Although NSV is closely associated with other autoimmune disorders, e.g.…”