Datasheet 1: Vitiligo - An Autoimmune Skin Disease and Its Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Intervention

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes, resulting in depigmented skin patches. The document highlighted the roles of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and skin-resident memory T cells in melanocyte destruction. Recent advancements in understanding vitiligo pathogenesis led to the development of targeted therapies, including Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). JAK inhibitors like ruxolitinib and tofacitinib showed promise in repigmentation, though their effects might not be durable. MSCs, with their immunomodulatory properties, offered potential by regulating cytokine secretion and T-cell balance. The document discussed MSCs and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) as promising treatments due to their ability to suppress immune reactions, promote melanocyte proliferation, and prevent relapses. Despite progress, vitiligo treatment remained challenging with a high relapse rate, underscoring the need for further research into effective and lasting therapeutic interventions.