T helper 17 and T regs: a novel proposed mechanism for NB ‐ UVB in vitiligo

Narrowband ultraviolet ( NB ‐ UV ) B is accepted as corner stone therapy for vitiligo. Its influence on the expression of IL ‐17, IL ‐ 22 and F ox P 3 as markers for the T h17 and Tregs lineages has not been studied before in the context of non‐segmental vitiligo ( NSV ). The study included 20 active NSV patients who received 36 NB ‐ UVB sessions and 20 controls. Clinical evaluation V itiligo A rea S coring I ndex ( VASI ) and determination of tissue expression of IL ‐17, IL ‐22 and F ox P 3 by q RT ‐ PCR (lesional, perilesional) were carried out before and after therapy. Baseline levels of IL ‐17 and IL ‐22 were significantly higher in patients, whereas F ox P 3 was significantly lower. After therapy, IL ‐17 and IL ‐22 significantly dropped, whereas F ox P 3 significantly increased (lesional, perilesional). Baseline and post‐treatment VASI showed significant positive correlations with IL ‐17 and IL ‐22 and significant negative correlation with F ox P 3 expression. Restoration of the balance between T h17 and T regs might represent a novel pathway for the improvement that NB ‐ UVB exerts in vitiligo patients.