European Journal of Dermatology
MENUCharacterization of circulating CD8+T cells expressing skin homing and cytotoxic molecules in active non-segmental vitiligo Volume 23, issue 3, May-June 2013
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- Key words: CD8 +T cell, cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen, perforin, granzyme-B, vitiligo
- DOI : 10.1684/ejd.2013.2011
- Page(s) : 331-8
- Published in: 2013
Background: Vitiligo is caused by melanocyte depletion. Studies have suggested that skin-homing cytotoxic T lymphocytes that express cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA) are responsible for melanocyte depletion. The characteristics of these skin-homing cytotoxic T cells have not been well established yet. Objectives: To investigate the frequency of skin-homing CD8 +T cells (CD8 +CLA +T cells) and their expression of cytotoxic molecules, as well as migration-related molecules in CD8 +T cell in non-segmental vitiligo patients. Materials & Methods: The frequency of CD8 +CLA +T cells and their expression of cytotoxic molecules (perforin, granzyme-B and FasL) in peripheral blood of patients with non-segmental vitiligo were assessed using flow cytometry. Levels of chemokine receptors (CCR4, CCR10) on CD8 +T cells were evaluated. Results: Our results revealed a higher frequency and increased expression of perforin and granzyme-B in circulating CD8 +CLA +T cells from patients with active vitiligo. The expression levels of CCR4 increased in CD8 +T cells in active vitiligo patients. Conclusion: Patients with active non-segmental vitiligo have a higher frequency of CD8 +CLA +T cells and hyper-activated cytotoxic functions, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of non-segmental vitiligo.