Targeting the Immune Misfire in Vitiligo: A Path Toward Precision Therapy

Dr. Chau Yee Ng Shares Latest Advances in Vitiligo Research and Treatment at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital

Dr. Chau Yee Ng, Director of our center, was recently invited to Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital to share insights on the latest research findings and treatment approaches for vitiligo with fellow dermatologists.

Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in triggering immune-mediated attacks in vitiligo. IFN-γ misguides the immune system to target and destroy melanocytes, leading to localized depigmentation.

In a 2023 study published by Dr. Ng’s team, it was found that even in the absence of immune cells, elevated IFN-γ levels alone can induce oxidative stress and result in melanocyte death. This form of cell death is not typical apoptosis but a distinct mechanism known as ferroptosis, a lipid peroxidation-driven process that has been underestimated in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

As this mechanism is primarily mediated through the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, the U.S. FDA has approved the first topical JAK inhibitor for treating non-segmental vitiligo in patients aged 12 and older. Dr. Ng’s team is actively monitoring the clinical outcomes of this treatment in patients with difficult-to-treat lesions.

We remain committed to advancing vitiligo research and exploring innovative therapies to provide patients with more options and renewed hope.

🔗 Publication link: Ng CY et al. J Dermatol Sci. 2023 Jun;110(3):78–88.