A recent study from Northwestern University suggests that a natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria may significantly slow the progression of vitiligo and potentially restore skin pigmentation. This autoimmune disease, which affects 0.5% to 2% of the global population, causes visible patches of skin discoloration and can have severe emotional and physical impacts.
"The results in our model were astonishing," stated I. Caroline Le Poole, senior study author and professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "We found that administering a microbial compound weekly to vitiligo-prone mice significantly suppressed disease progression."
The research, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, involved administering a microbial product to mice over an 18-week period. By the end of the study, pigment loss on the mice's backs was reduced by 74%. The treatment reduced killer T cells attacking skin pigment while increasing protective regulatory T cells.
"This simple microbial compound could work as a standalone therapy or in synergy with existing treatments," Le Poole explained.
In 2022, Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream became the first FDA-approved re-pigmentation therapy for vitiligo. However, clinical trials showed only 30% of patients regained significant facial re-pigmentation using this cream.
"Our findings about the effectiveness of microbial therapy could give hope to patients who are not well-served by existing treatments," said Le Poole.
Vitiligo is more severe in individuals with darker skin tones due to increased visibility of discoloration, which can amplify stigma and emotional distress. Many people with vitiligo also experience other autoimmune conditions and higher risks for cardiovascular diseases and psychological distress.
"Patients often feel powerless as they watch their disease progress," noted Le Poole. "For many, stabilizing the disease would be life-changing."
While some embrace their condition as part of their identity, others seek effective treatment options. "It's important to provide real options that can halt disease progression," added Le Poole.
The next step involves adapting this microbial product for human use. "Weekly injections could work, but we need to explore simpler options like a food additive or ointment," said Le Poole. She also mentioned potential applications for treating other autoimmune conditions involving killer T cells in the skin.
"Our next step is collaborating with scientists from several institutions to refine the compound," she concluded.
Le Poole’s lab operates within Northwestern University's Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.