Immunological Basis of Melanoma-Associated Vitiligo-Like Depigmentation

Abstract

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by white, hypopigmented macules. Melanocyte loss is a feature of the disease, and it has been hypothesized that an autoimmune mechanism could be responsible for the depigmentation. Melanoma is a malignancy that develops in melanocytes; if not detected and treated early, it is often deadly. Leukoderma, a condition characterized by depigmentation of the skin, is sometimes associated with malignant melanoma. An immune response against melanocyte antigens leading to destruction of either melanoma cells or melanocytes has been observed in both vitiligo and melanoma. Studies in animal models and humans have shown that humoral and cell-mediated immune responses are involved in modulating cytotoxic activity against tumor cells and normal melanocytes. The study of factors associated with anti-tumor immunopathogenic mechanisms —autoimmunity for example—may provide us with tools for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as vitiligo and malignant melanoma.