Repigmentation by outer-root-sheath-derived melanocytes: proof of concept in vitiligo and leucoderma.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of depigmented skin is an unmet medical need.

OBJECTIVE

Melanocytes or stem cells thereof residing in the outer root sheath (ORS) of hair follicles might be used to repigment skin.

METHODS

After de-epidermisation, autologous ORS cell solutions were applied to 5 patients with vitiligo and 1 with leucoderma.

RESULTS

Stable repigmentation in a variable percentage was documented in all the patients.

CONCLUSION

Applying ORS-derived melanocytes is a promising technology to improve autologous melanocyte transplantation.