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Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Direct Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Melanocytes
Published on: August 27, 2021
The fibroblast-driven melanoma/Treg vitiligo mouse model is effectively suppressed by IFNγ blocking antibody
Yuhua Xie1, Jun Cui1, Yanhua Lu2
1Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
The use of immunosuppressive drugs for vitiligo treatment carries a potential risk of increased infection, whereas IFNγ bispecific antibodies represent an alternative therapeutic strategy. Researchers employing the melanoma/Treg vitiligo mouse model identified a critical role of dermal fibroblasts during the progressive phase of vitiligo. These fibroblasts respond to IFNγ and recruit CD8 + T cells, a mechanism that also contributes to the bilateral symmetrical depigmentation commonly observed in vitiligo patients. To evaluate the suitability of this model as a platform for developing fibroblast-targeted IFNγ bispecific antibodies, mice were administered regular injections of IFNγ monoclonal antibodies. The IFNγ monoclonal antibody treatment significantly suppressed vitiligo progression in the melanoma/Treg model. Owing to its advantages-including straightforward induction, multi-antigen specificity, and the demonstrated efficacy of IFNγ blocking antibodies, the melanoma/Treg vitiligo mouse model is a robust platform for advancing the development of fibroblast-targeted IFNγ bispecific antibodies.

