autologous outer-root-sheath melanocytes

Autologous outer-root-sheath melanocytes are a specialized cell therapy used for the treatment of stable vitiligo. This therapeutic approach involves harvesting hair follicles from a pigmented area of the patient (typically the scalp), which serve as a rich reservoir of melanocytes and melanocyte stem cells located in the outer root sheath (ORS). These cells are enzymatically isolated to create a non-cultured cell suspension that is then transplanted onto the patient's depigmented skin patches, which have been prepared via dermabrasion or laser ablation. Once transplanted, these melanocytes and their precursors migrate, proliferate, and synthesize melanin, leading to the repigmentation of the treated area. This method is often preferred over traditional epidermal cell transplantation because it requires a smaller donor site and utilizes cells with high regenerative potential.

Other names

non-cultured autologous hair follicle outer-root-sheath melanocytesnon-cultured outer root sheath cell suspensionNCORSORS melanocytes