Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‒Derived Keratinocytes, as Therapeutic Option in Vitiligo

Abstract

Vitiligo is a skin condition affecting 1% of the global population, causing non-scaly, chalky-white macules on the skin and hair. It is caused by the pathologic destruction of melanocytes, which produce melanin. Research has focused on the abnormalities of melanocytes and their interaction with neighboring keratinocytes. Current treatments are mainly immunosuppressive drugs and UV radiation, which are scarce and ineffective. To treat vitiligo, regenerative medicine techniques, such as cell-based and cell-free methods, are recommended. Keratinocyte cell transplantation has shown promising results in treating vitiligo. Moreover, studies suggest individualized therapy for diseases can be provided by reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. On the other hand, differentiation into particular cell types is a key component of induced pluripotent stem cells-based treatment. In this chapter, the differentiation and validation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into a keratinocyte as a therapeutic option in vitiligo will be discussed.

Keywords: Cell therapy; Differentiation; Induced pluripotent stem cells; Keratinocyte; Regenerative medicine; Vitiligo.