Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing the Detection of Low-Frequency Mutations in Cancer Tissues
Published on: August 23, 2024
Halo naevi, vitiligo and diffuse alopecia areata associated with tocilizumab therapy
Kavitha Nadesalingam1, Mark Goodfield2, Paul Emery3
1Department of Rheumatology , Chapel Allerton Hospital , Leeds , UK.
Abstract:
We present a follow-up case report of a 33-year-old lady with juvenile onset arthritis who developed halo naevi while on treatment with tocilizumab. This case report describes the development of halo naevi, vitiligo and diffuse alopecia areata associated with tocilizumab therapy following infection with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Panton-Valentine leukocidin positivity. This is the first case that describes these events and supports previous theories on cellular and humoral immunity as causative factors. The regression of melanocytes during treatment with tocilizumab could also implicate IL-6 and sIL-6R as future targets in the treatment of melanoma through its direct effect of melanocytic cytotoxicity, which supports previous studies.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Immunotherapy
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
