title: Melanocyte-specific, cytotoxic T cell responses in vitiligo: the effective variant of melanoma immunity?
abstract: Vitiligo is a relatively common progressive depigmentary condition that is believed to be due to the autoimmune-mediated loss of epidermal melanocytes. An interesting aspect of vitiligo is its relation to melanoma: cytotoxic T lymphocytes directed to self-antigens shared by normal melanocytes and melanoma cells are found in both conditions and might prove important in melanocyte destruction, yet the resulting immune reactions are completely different. From this standpoint, the selective destruction of pigment cells that occurs in cases of vitiligo is the therapeutic goal sought in melanoma research. In the present article, we will address these issues by reviewing current literature on the subject as well as by posing some speculations.
authors: Experimental Immunology Laboratory, IRCCS Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Garbelli
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Mantovani
authors: Belinda
authors: B
authors: Palermo
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Giachino
mesh_terms: D015551:Autoimmunity; D004817:Epidermis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell