ABSTRACT
For a long time, a paradoxical coexistence of autoimmunity and immunodeficiency in patients has interested scientists and physicians. By definition, an immune deficiency is a decreased ability of the immune system to fight infection. Conversely, autoimmunity is an increased response of the immune system to self. These seemingly opposite conditions represent immune system dysfunctions. It is well known that combined or T-cell deficiencies are mainly associated with immunodeficiency, whereas autoimmune disorders are predominantly CD8 T-cell−driven. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which such a relationship can be seen.
