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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Vitiligo and antibodies to melanocytes
1Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016.
Abstract:
The cause of vitiligo is not known. It is reasonable to suspect that immune mechanisms are involved because some cell surface antigens are selectively expressed on pigmented cells, the immune system has the ability to respond to these antigens, but seems to do so most in persons or animals who have vitiligo. It is not known whether the specific immune abnormalities seen in vitiligo are a cause or a result of the disease, nor whether they damage melanocytes, simply aggravate melanocyte injury initiated by other causes, or are interesting but irrelevant epiphenomena.
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