Vitiligo is a common multifactorial skin disorder with very complex pathogenesis. Although considerable progress has recently been made in our understanding of vitiligo, the cause and pathogenesis of vitiligo remain unclear. Focusing on the drug development of autoimmune skin diseases for more than 10 years, Creative Biolabs has equipped our platform with high-quality facilities, the latest technologies, and professional experts with advanced degrees. Multiple advantages make us confident in providing reliable cell-based therapy and antibody development services to global customers.
Vitiligo, a depigmenting skin disorder, is characterized by the selective loss of melanocytes, which in turn leads to pigment dilution in the affected areas of the skin. The characteristic lesion is an amelanotic, nonscaly, chalky-white macule with distinct margins. Considerable recent progress has been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo, and it is now clearly classified as an autoimmune disease, associated with genetic and environmental factors together with metabolic, oxidative stress, and cell detachment abnormalities. An international consensus classified vitiligo into two major forms: nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) and segmental vitiligo (SV). The term vitiligo was defined to designate all forms of NSV (including acrofacial, mucosal, generalized, universal, mixed, and rare variants). Distinguishing SV from other types of vitiligo was one of the most important decisions of the consensus, primarily because of its prognostic implications.
Fig.1 Vitiligo pathogenesis. (Bergqvist, 2020)
The treatment of vitiligo is still one of the most difficult dermatological challenges. An important step in the management of vitiligo is to first acknowledge that it is not merely a cosmetic disease and that there are safe and effective treatments available. These treatments include phototherapy, topical and systemic immunosuppressants, and surgical techniques, which together may help in halting the disease, stabilizing depigmented lesions, and stimulating repigmentation. First-line treatments consist of topical treatments (corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors). Second-line treatments consist of phototherapy (NB-UVB and psoralen and UVA [PUVA]) and systemic steroid treatment. Third-line treatments consist of surgical grafting techniques and fourth-line of depigmenting treatments.
Fig.2 Therapeutic algorithm of vitiligo. (Bergqvist and Ezzedine, 2020)
Uncertainties remain about what ultimately causes the destruction of melanocytes, and further studies are needed to completely elucidate vitiligo pathogenesis. Uncovering the biological mediators and the molecular mechanisms that lead to metabolic defects and therefore melanocyte degeneration and autoimmunity is important to identify new therapeutic targets and drugs that could prevent, stop disease progression or even cure vitiligo. Experience with systemic biological therapies that target cytokines such as psoriasis suggests that a similar approach might be successfully used in vitiligo. As such targeting the IFN-γ-chemokine axis with existing or developing drugs is tempting and promising.
Committed to the drug development for autoimmune skin diseases for more than 10 years, Creative Biolabs has thrown a lot of manpower, materials, and financial resources into the previous research. The practice has helped us accumulated extensive precious experience and thus we are confident in providing global customers with high-quality services including but not limited to:
The treatment development for vitiligo still needs researchers’ more and more exploration in multiple aspects. With rich experience and a comprehensive platform, Creative Biolabs is eager to promote treatment development through our reliable services. If you are interested in our services or you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
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