Third International Research Workshop on Alopecia Areata

The Third International Research Workshop on Alopecia Areata in 1998 brought together over 250 experts to discuss advances in understanding and treating alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease causing hair loss. The workshop highlighted the development of animal models, such as the Smyth chicken and C3H/HeJ mouse, which were instrumental in identifying potential AA susceptibility genes and the role of inflammatory cells. Genetic studies pointed to a polygenic basis for AA, with specific human leukocyte antigens associated with the disease. The workshop emphasized the complexity of AA, the importance of continued research into its genetic and immunological aspects, and the need for standardized criteria in clinical studies. While few new treatments were reported, animal models were seen as crucial for evaluating new therapies, and future research aimed to identify antigenic targets and pathogenic T cell subsets to improve treatment strategies.