Mobilization of Melanocytes During NB-UVB Treatment of Vitiligo

Abstract Vitiligo, a common skin depigmentation disorder, is the result of complex interactions of genetic, immunological, environmental, and biochemical events. Treatments for vitiligo include drugs, phototherapy, surgical transplantation, and so on. Among them, the efficacy of narrow band-ultraviolet B has been confirmed. By inducing keratinocyte-derived factors and signalings, narrow band-ultraviolet B can trigger and/or promote the mobilization of melanocytes which migrate to lesional epidermis ultimately, leads to the repigmentation of white patches. The mobilization of melanocytes includes stages of activation, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Elucidating processes that enable the specific mobilization of melanocytes and the signaling pathways and factors involved, will help the development of new drugs and methods for the treatment of vitiligo.