title: Immunopathogenesis of vitiligo.
abstract: Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder which may have devastating psychological and social consequences and is characterized by the presence of circumscribed white macules in the skin due to the destruction of melanocytes in the epidermis. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathomechanisms involved in this disease, and studies have shown the participation of autoimmune processes in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Cellular and humoral immunities have been implicated in the development of vitiligo and their role continues to be investigated. Peripheral blood and skin biopsies of patients with vitiligo show that T-cells, mononuclear cells, various pro-inflammatory cytokines, and auto-antibodies can damage melanocytes. Further research is required to determine whether autoimmunity is the main mechanism of vitiligo or only a consequence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, HGR 36, IMSS, Puebla, Mexico.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sandoval-Cruz
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: García-Carrasco
authors.forename: Renán
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Porras
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mendoza-Pinto
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jiménez-Hernández
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Munguía-Realpozo
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Argüelles
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*