Meta-Analysis of Alterations in Regulatory T Cells’ Frequency and Suppressive Capacity in Patients with Vitiligo

Figure 6

Role of regulatory T cells in vitiligo pathogenesis. The reduced expression of FOXP3, the key Tregs’ transcription factors of Tregs, results in decreased expression of Tregs’ suppressive cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) and impaired Tregs’ suppressive capacity. Moreover, the reduced FOXP3 levels in the blood suggests reduced Tregs’ number in vitiligo patients. Thus, the decreased Tregs’ frequency and impaired Tregs’ suppressive capacity lead to unchecked CD8⁺ T proliferation, which results into melanocyte death and vitiligo pathogenesis.