Tumour necrosis factor-α inhibition can stabilize disease in progressive vitiligo

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a proinflammatory cytokine central to many autoimmune diseases, has been implicated in the depigmentation process in vitiligo. We review its role in vitiligo by exploring its pro- and anti-inflammatory properties and examine the effects of blocking its actions with TNF-α antagonist therapeutics in reports available in the literature. We found that TNF-α inhibition halts disease progression in patients with progressive vitiligo but that, paradoxically, treatment can be associated with de novo vitiligo development in some patients when used for other autoimmune conditions, particularly when using adalimumab and infliximab. These studies reinforce the importance of stating appropriate outcomes measures, as most pilot trials propose to measure repigmentation, whereas halting depigmentation is commonly overlooked as a measure of success. We conclude that TNF-α inhibition has proven useful for patients with progressive vitiligo, where TNF-α inhibition is able to quash cytotoxic T-cell-mediated melanocyte destruction. However, a lingering concern for initiating de novo disease will likely prevent more widespread application of TNF inhibitors to treat vitiligo. What's already known about this topic? Increased levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α are present in active vitiligo lesions. Upon TNF-α inhibition in vitiligo, anti-TNF-α agents have been labelled as ineffective, as repigmentation was not achieved. What does this study add? In patients with progressive disease, TNF-α inhibition may provide a means to halt depigmentation in vitiligo.