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Early Proteomic Alterations in Non-segmental Vitiligo Skin Following Treatment with Topical Tacrolimus

Morten B Haulrig1,2,3, Sonja Kabatnik3,4, Lone Skov1,2

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.

Dermatology and Therapy
|April 17, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Topical tacrolimus treatment for vitiligo rapidly alters skin proteins involved in inflammation and melanocyte function. This study reveals early molecular changes, offering insights into vitiligo pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Proteomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Vitiligo is a chronic skin depigmentation impacting quality of life.
  • Topical calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus are first-line treatments, but their mechanisms are unclear.
  • This study explores early proteomic changes in vitiligo patients treated with topical tacrolimus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the early molecular mechanisms of topical tacrolimus in non-segmental vitiligo.
  • To identify proteomic alterations in lesional skin after tacrolimus treatment.
  • To understand the protein changes associated with vitiligo and its treatment response.

Main Methods:

  • Collected skin biopsies from vitiligo patients at baseline, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks of treatment.
  • Utilized mass spectrometry-based proteomics to analyze protein expression.
  • Compared protein profiles between lesional and nonlesional skin, and across treatment time points.

Main Results:

  • Identified 4416 proteins, with 32 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between untreated lesional and nonlesional skin, linked to muscle contraction and melanocyte function.
  • After 2 weeks of tacrolimus treatment, 31 DEPs related to inflammation and melanocyte adhesion were enriched.
  • At 8 weeks, 14 DEPs involved in melanogenesis, interferon response, and heat shock were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Characterized the early proteomic response to topical tacrolimus in vitiligo.
  • Provided insights into disease-associated proteins and potential therapeutic targets.
  • Highlighted the dynamic molecular changes occurring during vitiligo treatment.
Keywords:
DepigmentationImmunologyMass spectrometryMelanocytesProteomicsTopical calcineurin inhibitor

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