Impact of Psychological Stress-Derived Hormones and Cytokines on Immune Cell Profiles in Vitiligo: Toward Improved Peripheral Blood Simulation in Animal Models

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease with a localized or generalized depigmentation in the skin, and characterized by psychological stress induced by unattractive appearance. Psychological stress induces alterations in immune cell populations through hormones and cytokines, however, the pathogenesis of psychological stress on vitiligo remains unclear. This review discussed the effects of psychological stress-derived hormones and cytokines including macrophage migration inhibitory factor, progesterone, glucocorticoids, estrogens, and norepinephrine on immunocytes including regulatory T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, B cells, monocytes, and neutrophils. In addition, the review also explored the relationship between melanocytes and immune cells, as well as the conditions of several major animal models simulating the peripheral blood in human vitiligo. This review intended to provide better insights into the complex pathogenesis of vitiligo related to psychological stress, and developing new targets for the prevention and treatments of vitiligo.