Alopecia Areata: A Review of Disease Pathogenesis

May 2018 in “ British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement ”

Fateme Rajabi, Lynn A. Drake, Maryanne M. Senna, Nima Rezaei

alopecia areata immune privilege hair follicles autoimmune disorder stress central immune system AIRE gene plasmacytoid dendritic cells natural killer cells T cells interferon‐γ interleukin‐15 MICA NKG2D hair loss immune cells immune response

From the encyclopedia

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Mica →

Studysummary This study reviewed recent theories on alopecia areata's pathogenesis, highlighting its autoimmune nature due to immune privilege disruption in hair follicles, and noted current treatments have limited efficacy with high relapse rates, underscoring the need for further research into its mechanisms for better therapies.

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

The document reviewed the pathogenesis of alopecia areata, a condition causing nonscarring hair loss with significant psychological effects. The prevailing theory is that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder caused by a loss of immune privilege in hair follicles, but the exact trigger is debated. Some researchers attribute it to stress within the hair follicle environment, while others suggest a dysregulation in the central immune system. Studies, including animal research and investigations into the AIRE gene, support the latter. Immune cells such as plasmacytoid dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T cells, along with molecules like interferon‐γ, interleukin‐15, MICA, and NKG2D, are implicated in the autoimmune response. Despite years of study, alopecia areata remains incurable, with existing treatments mainly effective for mild cases and a high relapse rate. Understanding the disease's mechanisms is crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets.

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research Topical Use of Calcipotriol Does Not Potentiate Squaric Acid Dibutylester Effectiveness in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

5 citations , January 1995 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study suggests that topical calcipotriol did not significantly enhance hair growth when combined with SADBE in patients with severe alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata in Aging C3H/HeJ Mice

178 citations , June 1994 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that a non-scarring alopecia in C3H/HeJ mice resembles human alopecia areata and may serve as a valuable model for studying specific subtypes of the human condition.