Abstract: Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH),the strongest endogenous immunomodulatory small-molecule neuroendocrine peptide among melanocyte stimulating hormones,is mainly produced in the pituitary gland.α-MSH can promote melanocytes to proliferate and produce melanosomes,regulate the differentiation of melanocytes through the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor,and finally cause skin pigmentation.Many studies have shown that α-MSH levels are decreased in the epidermis and sera in patients with vitiligo.The α-MSH analogue afamelanotide,which can induce the expression of α-MSH by melanocytes,and the sex steroid thyroid hormone metharmon-F,both can be used to treat vitiligo through action on melanocytes,and have been lately recommended for the treatment of vitiligo at clinics.