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

31 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

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of tumor necrosis factor-α in the pathogenesis of vitiligo'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this