Androgenetic Alopecia May Be Associated With Weaker COVID-19 T-Cell Immune Response: An Insight Into a Potential COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

November 2020 in “ Medical Hypotheses ”

Andy Goren, Flavio A. Cadegiani, Carlos Gustavo Wambier, Sergio Vano-Galvan, Antonella Tosti, Jerry Shapiro, Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska, Paulo Müller Ramos, Rodney Sinclair, Omar Lupi, Jana Hercogová, John D. McCoy

androgenetic alopecia T-cell immune response COVID-19 vaccine androgen receptor androgens AGA COVID-19

Studysummary Hair loss may link to weaker COVID-19 immunity, suggesting possible need for extra vaccine boost.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

There is a potential association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and a weaker T-cell immune response to COVID-19, which could impact the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. The authors propose that a booster vaccine targeting the androgen receptor may be necessary for individuals with AGA to achieve adequate protection against the virus. Further studies are needed to determine the role of androgens and the androgen receptor in modulating the immune response to COVID-19.

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research Androgenetic Alopecia Present in the Majority of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: The 'Gabrin Sign'

119 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study observed a high prevalence of androgenetic alopecia in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19, with 79% of men and 42% of women affected, suggesting a potential link between androgen sensitivity and COVID-19 severity.

research What Does Androgenetic Alopecia Have to Do with COVID-19? An Insight into a Potential New Therapy

47 citations , April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This letter discusses the potential connection between androgenetic alopecia and COVID-19, suggesting a possible new therapy, but it reports no new results.