A Meta-Analysis of Chemokines in Alopecia Areata: Recruiting Immune Cells Toward the Hair Follicle

September 2025 in “ Frontiers in Immunology ”

Elise Van Caelenberg, Arno Belpaire, Nanja van Geel, Reinhart Speeckaert

alopecia areata chemokines Th1-associated chemokines CXCL9 CXCL10 CCL5 CXCL11 IFN-γ Th2 chemokine CCL13 CCL17 CCL22 CX3CL1 monocyte recruitment dendritic cell recruitment eosinophil recruitment immune dysregulation immunomodulatory strategies

TLDR Alopecia areata involves complex immune dysregulation, mainly driven by Th1 activity, suggesting broader treatment strategies.

This meta-analysis of 46 studies on alopecia areata (AA) reveals a complex chemokine profile, with elevated levels of Th1-associated chemokines such as CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL5, and CXCL11, indicating an IFN-γ-driven response. Additionally, a Th2 chemokine signature was observed, with increased CCL13, CCL17, CCL22, and CX3CL1, alongside elevated levels of chemokines involved in monocyte/dendritic cell and eosinophil recruitment. The meta-analysis confirmed significantly elevated serum levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL8, and CCL17. These findings suggest that AA involves a multifaceted immune dysregulation, dominated by Th1 activity but also implicating Th2 and other immune pathways, underscoring the potential for broader immunomodulatory strategies in treatment.

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research Alopecia Areata Profiling Shows TH1, TH2, and IL-23 Cytokine Activation Without Parallel TH17/TH22 Skewing

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