The role of tumor necrosis factor-α in the pathogenesis of vitiligo

Carlos R. Camara-Lemarroy, Julio C. Salas-Alanis

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    36 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Vitiligo is an acquired immune disorder of the skin characterized by the presence of white depigmented macules. Its immunopathogenesis is not completely understood, but inflammatory alterations in the skin microenvironment, and particularly increased expression of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), are thought to be essential regulators of melanocyte dysfunction and death. In this article we review the evidence that implicates TNFα in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, including studies on serum and tissue levels of TNFα, TNFα gene polymorphisms, in vitro studies, and therapeutic trials using TNFα inhibitors. TNFα emerges as a complex mediator with apparently conflicting roles in vitiligo.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)343-350
    Number of pages8
    JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Dermatology
    Volume14
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2013

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • Dermatology

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