title: Immunological Parameters Associated With Vitiligo Treatments: A Literature Review Based on Clinical Studies.
abstract: Vitiligo, a depigmentary disorder, caused by the loss of melanocytes, affects approximately 1% of the world population, irrespective of skin type, with a serious psychological impact on the patient quality of life. So far, the origin of vitiligo has not been traced and the pathogenesis is complex, involving the interplay of a multitude of variables. Although there is no treatment that ensures the complete cure of the disorder, there are some pharmacological, phototherapy, and surgical therapies available. A series of variables can affect treatment outcome, such as individual characteristics, emotional issues, type of vitiligo, stability of the lesions, and immunological status. The present literature review identified the main immunological parameters associated with treatments for vitiligo. Cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes are the main cell type involved in treatment success, as fewer cells in skin lesions are associated with better results. Other parameters such as cytokines and regulatory T cells may also be involved. Further clinical scientific studies are needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying vitiligo and its treatments, in order to expand the range of therapeutic approaches for each individual case.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas, Sociais e da Saúde, Universidade Fumec, 30310-190 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Cláudia Guimarães
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Abreu
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas, Sociais e da Saúde, Universidade Fumec, 30310-190 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gabriela Guy
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas, Sociais e da Saúde, Universidade Fumec, 30310-190 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Juliana Yasmin Pains
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Miranda
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Dermatologia, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, 30150-221 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil ; Clínica de Dermatologia, Edificio Life Center, 30110-921 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniel Gontijo
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas, Sociais e da Saúde, Universidade Fumec, 30310-190 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil ; Clínica de Dermatologia, Edificio Life Center, 30110-921 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Camila Gontijo
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas, Sociais e da Saúde, Universidade Fumec, 30310-190 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil ; Clínica de Dermatologia, Edificio Life Center, 30110-921 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mariana Gontijo
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ramos