Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome includes bilateral uveitis, poliosis, and vitiligo-like depigmentation. The autoimmune target responsible for these manifestations is:

• A Corneal endothelial antigens leading to keratic precipitates
• B Cholinergic receptors on melanocytes
• C Viral mimicry of stratum corneum proteins
• D Melanocyte-specific antigens (tyrosinase, MART-1/Melan-A) attacked by HLA-DR4-restricted CD4+ T cells ✓

Explanation

VKH syndrome is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune attack against melanocyte-specific antigens (particularly tyrosinase family proteins) in melanocyte-rich tissues — uvea, choroid, inner ear, meninges, and skin. HLA-DR4 and DQ4 are strongly associated. The condition presents with prodromal meningism, followed by bilateral granulomatous panuveitis, sensorineural deafness, tinnitus, and later skin/hair depigmentation (vitiligo, poliosis, alopecia). High-dose systemic steroids are the mainstay of treatment.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.