We further demonstrate that under IFNγ and CXCL10 stimulation, several vitiligo melanocytes undergo apoptosis when the remaining ones become activated expressing CD40, CD80, HLA-DR (MHC-II) and ICAM-1 at their surface and present their own antigens, subsequently triggering T cell proliferation and the onset of the adaptive response by the lymphocytes. The gene discussed is CXCL10; the disease is vitiligo.