Evaluation of Serum Level of Interleukin 15 in Active Vitiligo Compared to Stable Disease and Healthy Control

Abstract Background Vitiligo is a common acquired disorder of depigmentation. Its pathogenesis entails a T helper (TH) 1-cytotoxic T (CT) lymphocytes mediated autoimmune melanocyte destruction. Interleukin (IL)-15 is one of the IL-2 family of cytokines and shares several actions with IL-2. IL-15 enhances survival, maturation, and functional activity of natural killer, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, it potentiates survival, maturation, and cytotoxicity of memory CT cells. IL-15 has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases but was poorly investigated in patients with vitiligo. Aims To investigate the role of IL-15 in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Patients and Methods In total, 40 Patients with vitiligo and 20 controls matched for age and gender were enrolled in the study. Vitiligo Extent Score (VES) and Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score were used to assess vitiligo severity and activity, respectively. Serum level of IL-15 was assessed by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. Results Serum IL-15 level, in patients with vitiligo, was significantly higher in comparison with the control group (P =. 001). A significant positive correlation was found between serum IL-15 level and VES score (P =. 001) Conclusion IL-15 level was elevated in the sera of patients with vitiligo. IL-15 may therefore have a significant impact on vitiligo autoimmune pathogenesis, and further identification of its molecular roles may highlight new therapeutic strategies for vitiligo.