A natural compound derived from friendly bacteria with the intestine significantly slows down the progression of vitiligo and can restore pigmentation, reports a new preclinical study of the University of the Northwest in mice.
The findings could offer hope to millions affected by autoimmune disease, which causes visible patches of skin discoloration and entails deep emotional and physical consequences.
“The results in our model were amazing,” said the author of Senior Study I. Caroline Le Poole, Professor of Dermatology and Microbiology-Immunology at the Northwestern University Medicine Faculty of Medicine.
“We found that administering a weekly microbial compound to mice prone to vitiligo significantly suppressed the progression of the disease. It was a spectacular difference in an aggressive model of the disease.”
The study was recently published in the Research Dermatology Magazine.
How the study was conducted
Le Poole and his colleagues administered a weekly microbial product to vitiligo prone mice for a period of 18 weeks. In the end, the loss of pigment in the backs of the mice was reduced by 74%.
The product reduced murderous T cells that attack the skin pigment and increased protective regulatory T cells, which are typically scarce in patients with vitiligo.
“This simple microbial compound could function as an independent or synergy therapy with existing treatments,” said Le Poole.
Existing therapy has limitations
In 2022, the FDA approved the first re-pole therapy for Vitiligo Cream: Opzelura (Rxolitinib). Clinical trials found that only 30% of patients who use the cream recovered 75% or more than skin re-pole in the face.
“Our findings about the effectiveness of microbial therapy could give hope to patients who are not well treated by existing treatments,” said Le Poole.
Vitiligo is more serious in patients with darker skin
Vitiligo affects 0.5% to 2% of the global population and is related to other health challenges, including the greatest risks of cardiovascular disease, psychological anguish and endocrine disorders.
The discoloration often appears on the face, the scalp, the hands and arms, as well as the openings of the body such as the mouth and the genitals. Many people with vitiligo also have at least another autoimmune condition.
Le Poole, who has spent more than 30 years studying Vitiligo, said the disease is more serious in people with darker skin tones. The visibility of discoloration in people with darker skin can also amplify stigma and emotional anguish.
“Patients often feel helpless while they observe their illness progress, insecure of how they will look next month,” Le Poole said. “For many, stabilizing the disease would change life.”
While the disease can affect self -esteem, particularly for adolescents who sail for social pressures, some people accept it.
“We have seen beautiful models with challenging social norms of Vitiligo, and that is wonderful,” added Le Poole. “But for those who want treatment, it is important to provide real options that can stop the progression of the disease.”
Next steps
The following challenge is to adapt the microbial product for human use. “Weekly injections could work, but we need to explore simpler options, such as food additive or ointment,” said Le Poole. “We must also understand how much the effects and the best time for treatment last.”
Poole added that the same microbial compound as she and her colleagues inject into mice could treat other autoimmune conditions, particularly those that involve murderous T cells in the skin.
“Our next step is to collaborate with the scientists of several institutions to refine the compound, understand its mechanisms and determine if it works together with existing treatments for autoimmune disease.”
Le Poole’s Lab is located at the Integral Cancer Center Robert H. Lurie at Northwestern University.