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Review
. 2024 Aug;73(8):1311-1332.
doi: 10.1007/s00011-024-01900-w. Epub 2024 Jun 5.

The role of regulatory T cells in vitiligo and therapeutic advances: a mini-review

Shiyu Jin  1 , Sheng Wan  1   2 , Renxue Xiong  1   2 , Yujie Li  1 , Tingru Dong  1 , Cuiping Guan  3   4
Affiliations
Review

The role of regulatory T cells in vitiligo and therapeutic advances: a mini-review

Shiyu Jin et al. Inflamm Res. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play vital roles in controlling immune reactions and maintaining immune tolerance in the body. The targeted destruction of epidermal melanocytes by activated CD8+T cells is a key event in the development of vitiligo. However, Tregs may exert immunosuppressive effects on CD8+T cells, which could be beneficial in treating vitiligo.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted to gather information on Tregs and vitiligo.

Results: In vitiligo, there is a decrease in Treg numbers and impaired Treg functions, along with potential damage to Treg-related signaling pathways. Increasing Treg numbers and enhancing Treg function could lead to immunosuppressive effects on CD8+T cells. Recent research progress on Tregs in vitiligo has been summarized, highlighting various Treg-related therapies being investigated for clinical use. The current status of Treg-related therapeutic strategies and potential future directions for vitiligo treatment are also discussed.

Conclusions: A deeper understanding of Tregs will be crucial for advancing Treg-related drug discovery and treatment development in vitiligo.

Keywords: CD4+ T cells; CD8+ T cells; Therapy; Tregs; Vitiligo.

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