Understanding how local skin factors affect repigmentation in vitiligo
Official title: Determining how local factors influence repigmentation in stable vitiligo
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11097219 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some spots on the skin regain color after treatment for vitiligo while others don’t, and it’s for people with vitiligo who want to understand how their skin can respond better to therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $176,256 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR081406-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097219 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with stable vitiligo who are undergoing or have undergone treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with vitiligo who are not receiving treatment or those with other skin conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the autoimmune skin condition vitiligo, which leads to the loss of skin color due to the destruction of melanocytes by T cells. The study aims to understand why some areas of skin repigment while others do not after treatment with narrow band ultraviolet B therapy and topical steroids. By using advanced imaging techniques and genetic analysis, researchers will explore the role of specific skin cells, termed 'stress keratinocytes', in influencing the repigmentation process. The goal is to identify local signals that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with vitiligo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for vitiligo, resulting in improved skin repigmentation and reduced psychological distress for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the mechanisms of vitiligo, but this specific approach using advanced imaging and genetic techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shiu, Jessica — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Shiu, Jessica
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cell communications and tissue memory in vitiligo
This grant looks at how skin cells talk to each other and how these conversations may drive vitiligo, with the goal of finding new ways to treat or manage the condition.
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Autoreactive T Cell Function in Vitiligo
A study in people with vitiligo and related models aims to understand how skin-homing T cells drive pigment loss and how this knowledge could lead to better treatments.
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Understanding why the immune system targets skin in vitiligo and how this causes lasting damage
A research program is studying how immune cells attack pigment cells in the skin of people with vitiligo and what drives this autoimmune process.
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Understanding why some vitiligo patches repigment while others stay white
This grant studies why certain vitiligo patches repigment in some areas after treatment and why others persist, aiming to make treatments faster and more even.
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Understanding Cell Communication and Tissue Memory in Vitiligo
This project aims to understand how skin cells communicate and remember past events in people with vitiligo, hoping to find new ways to treat the condition.
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Understanding T Cells in Vitiligo
This research explores how certain immune cells, called T cells, cause the skin condition vitiligo, which leads to white spots on the skin.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.