Antroquinonol Exerts Immunosuppressive Effect on CD8+ T Cell Proliferation and Activation to Resist Depigmentation Induced by H2O2

In a study from 2017, antroquinonol was found to have an immunosuppressive effect on CD8+ T cell proliferation and activation, which could protect against depigmentation caused by H2O2. In vitro experiments showed that antroquinonol inhibited the proliferation of CD8+ T cells and reduced the production of cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ, as well as the activation markers CD69 and CD137. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice treated with antroquinonol for 50 days showed less depigmentation and resisted the reduction in hair follicle length, skin thickness, and tyrosinase expression typically induced by H2O2. Additionally, antroquinonol decreased CD8+ T cell infiltration in the skin and lowered the levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, CXCL10, and CXCR3. These results suggest that antroquinonol could be a potential treatment for conditions involving depigmentation, such as vitiligo, by suppressing CD8+ T cell-mediated inflammation.