Autoimmune Factors in the Ethiopathogenesis of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a most common depigmentation disorder, affecting 0,5 - 1% world population, caused by loss of functional melanocytes or melanin. Although it is usually asymptomatic, it may cause serious psychosocial problems and impair quality of life. Although many theories about vitiligo etiology exist, its cause still remains unknown. Autoimmune factors seem to have the most important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo lesions, which is supported by clinical and laboratory data. The main characteristic of vitiligo lesions is the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes and disturbed functional melanocyte-keratinocyte unit, leading to depigmentation. Immune mechanisms involved in vitiligo pathogenesis show prevalence of cellular immune effectors of both innate and adaptive immunity, and their cytokines and chemokines. Better knowledge about their network, and particular role of each protagonist would lead to better therapy, which is often insufficient and by now only symptomatic.