Chicken models aid understanding of human immune diseases (Vitiligo)

The article on WATTPoultry.com highlights the use of Smyth line chickens, a breed prone to autoimmune diseases like vitiligo, as an important model for understanding human immune diseases. The research led by Professor Gisela Erf at the University of Arkansas explores immune responses by using a non-invasive feather sampling technique. This allows for a detailed study of immune cells in action without harming the animal, making the Smyth line an ethically favorable choice over traditional genetically modified models.

The article delves into the spontaneous development of vitiligo in these chickens, a condition that parallels the human form of the disease. Unlike genetically modified organisms (GMOs), these chickens naturally develop vitiligo, providing a more accurate and ethical model for studying autoimmunity and pigmentation diseases in humans.

Professor Erf's innovative feather sampling method leverages the chicken's feathers as a minimally invasive way to collect skin samples, which are then used to study various immune responses. This approach offers new insights into how immune cells behave in the context of autoimmune diseases and can be crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.

Moreover, the research underscores the need for collaboration between academic research and the poultry industry. The findings have implications not just for understanding human diseases but also for improving poultry health management. The study represents a fusion of animal science and immunology that could benefit both human medical research and agricultural practices.

For more details, visit the full article here.

A Major Breakthrough on the Path to Vitiligo Treatment

 Disorganisation of Basement Membrane Zone Architecture Impairs Melanocyte Residence in Vitiligo

This study investigates the causes of depigmentation in vitiligo patients by examining how disorganisation in the basement membrane zone (BMZ) architecture affects the residency and survival of melanocytes. The BMZ serves as the interface between the epidermis and dermis, maintaining the structural integrity of the skin. Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder characterized by white patches on the skin, associated with the loss of melanocytes.

Key Findings:

1. Structural Disruptions in the BMZ: Using electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining, the study observed abnormal BMZ architecture in vitiligo-affected skin samples. In healthy skin, the BMZ has a thin, continuous structure, while vitiliginous skin shows thickened, fragmented, and disorganized BMZ.

2. Role of MMP2: The study identified elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in dermal fibroblasts of vitiligo-affected skin. MMP2 degrades key BM components such as collagen IV and laminin, leading to BM disruption and subsequent melanocyte loss.

3. Impaired Melanocyte Adhesion: In vitiligo, melanocyte adhesion to the BM is weakened due to reduced interactions between integrin β1-laminin and discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1)-collagen IV. This impaired adhesion results in melanocytes detaching from the BM and migrating to the upper layers of the epidermis.

4. Therapeutic Potential: MMP2 inhibitors were shown to reverse depigmentation in mouse models, indicating that targeting MMP2 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for vitiligo.

Conclusion: The study concludes that melanocyte loss in vitiligo is primarily linked to the disruption of BMZ integrity, largely due to overexpression of MMP2 in dermal fibroblasts. These findings open new avenues for therapeutic interventions to treat this challenging skin condition.

Reference: Yang, F., Yang, L., Kuroda, Y., Lai, S., Takahashi, Y., Sayo, T., Namiki, T., Nakajima, K., Sano, S., Inoue, S., Tsuruta, D., & Katayama, I. (2024). Disorganisation of basement membrane zone architecture impairs melanocyte residence in vitiligo. The Journal of Pathology, 264(1), 30-41. DOI: 10.1002/path.6321.

Antioxidant mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells and their therapeutic potential in vitiligo

This review article discusses the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating vitiligo, a skin disorder characterized by the loss of pigmentation due to melanocyte dysfunction. The authors explore the role of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, highlighting how ROS can damage melanocytes and contribute to disease progression.

Traditional treatments for vitiligo, such as glucocorticoid therapy, UV light therapy, and topical calcium-modulated phosphatase inhibitors, have limitations like long treatment durations, side effects, and frequent relapses. In contrast, MSCs offer a promising alternative due to their paracrine effects, which can reduce oxidative stress, promote tissue repair, and suppress autoimmune responses.

The article reviews the mechanisms by which MSCs exert antioxidant effects, focusing on several signaling pathways, including the Nrf2/ARE and PI3K/AKT pathways. These pathways help regulate oxidative stress and support melanocyte survival. MSCs can also transfer healthy mitochondria to damaged cells, improving cellular function and reducing oxidative stress. While MSC-based therapies show potential, further research is needed to clarify their safety, effectiveness, and application in clinical settings.

This overview suggests that MSCs could provide a novel, effective treatment approach for vitiligo by addressing its underlying oxidative stress and immune dysfunction.

Keywords: Vitiligo, oxidative stress, mesenchymal stem cells, reactive oxygen species, antioxidant, melanocyte, paracrine effects.

*Reference: Yang, R.-l., Chen, S.-y., Fu, S.-p., Zhao, D.-z., Wan, W.-h., Yang, K., Lei, W., Yang, Y., Zhang, Q., & Zhang, T. (2023). Antioxidant mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells and their therapeutic potential in vitiligo. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 11, 1293101. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1293101.