melanocyte + keratinocyte

Melanocyte + keratinocyte refers to an autologous cell therapy (specifically an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product or ATMP) used primarily for the treatment of stable vitiligo and other depigmentation disorders. The therapy involves harvesting a small sample of healthy, pigmented skin from the patient, followed by enzymatic digestion (typically using trypsin) to isolate a suspension of functional melanocytes and keratinocytes. This non-cultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) is then transplanted onto the recipient depigmented area, which is typically prepared via dermabrasion or laser ablation. Once transplanted, the melanocytes repopulate the basal layer of the epidermis and resume melanin synthesis, while the co-transplanted keratinocytes provide a supportive microenvironment and essential growth factors—such as stem cell factor (SCF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and endothelin-1—that facilitate melanocyte survival, proliferation, and adherence. Key commercial implementations include ReColorCell (registered in the Iranian Drug List) and the RECELL System (an FDA-approved device-based therapy that generates an autologous skin cell suspension).

Brand names

ReColorCellVitiCellRECELL

Other names

Autologous Melanocyte-Keratinocyte TransplantationAutologous skin cell suspensionNon-cultured epidermal cell suspensionKeratinocytes/melanocytes