2026, Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part A

Author(s)
Aya Ibrahim Abdel-Atty, Nesrin Sabry Gomaa, Amira El-Sayed El-Basiony, Lamia Hamouda Elgarhy and Nahla Ramzy Ghaly

Abstract
Vitiligo relapses remain a significant clinical challenge, with nearly 40% of patients experiencing recurrence due to autoimmune memory perseverance within the skin. A growing body of evidence identifies CD8? tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) as central drivers of this relapse. Overexpression of IL-15 in vitiligo skin is likely driven by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation enhances IFN-? production, promotes CXCR3-mediated T-cell trafficking, and strengthens memory CTL responses, all of which contribute to disease persistence and relapse. Clinical correlations, such as the positive association between IL-15 levels and VASI scores, further reinforce its role in disease severity. IL-15 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target; blocking this pathway such as through anti-CD122 antibodies may offer durable disease control by disrupting the survival of autoreactive TRM cells. Targeting IL-15 could therefore provide a critical strategy for preventing relapses and achieving long-term stability in vitiligo patients.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26649411.2026.v9.i1a.255

Pages: 15-20 | Views: 44 | Downloads: 26