Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis in Human Vitiligo
Marcella Willemsen, Cornelis J.M. Melief, Marcel W. Bekkenk, Rosalie M. Luiten
Abstract
T cells play a pivotal role in melanocyte destruction in autoimmune vitiligo. Immunotherapy for melanoma often leads to autoimmune side-effects, among which vitiligo-like depigmentation, indicating that targeting immune checkpoints can break peripheral tolerance against self-antigens in the skin. Therapeutically enhancing immune checkpoint signaling by immune cells or skin cells, making self-reactive T cells anergic, seems a promising therapeutic option for vitiligo. Here, we review the current knowledge on the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in vitiligo as new therapeutic target for vitiligo therapy.
Topics & Concepts
VitiligoDepigmentationMedicineImmunologyImmune systemCD8ImmunotherapyPeripheral toleranceMelanomaMelanocyteCytotoxic T cellCancer researchImmune toleranceDermatologyBiologyIn vitroBiochemistrymelanin and skin pigmentationImmunotherapy and Immune ResponsesAtherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases