Current paradigms of pathogenesis and challenges in vitiligo translational research

Vitiligo is a cutaneous disorder characterized by depigmented macules on the skin due to the loss of melanocytes from the epidermal basal layer. It is among the most common worldwide prevalent skin disorders. Various factors are implicated among which autoimmunity is widely acknowledged for melanocyte destruction in vitiligo. Genetic predisposition conferred by susceptibility loci in the region encoding several immunoregulatory genes has been suggested to contribute to the onset and progression of vitiligo. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge concerning vitiligo pathogenesis, recent therapeutic advancements, current challenges, and novel approaches employed to reverse or prevent the depigmentation in vitiligo.