Identification of Differentially Expressed miRNAs in Alopecia Areata That Target Immune-Regulatory Pathways

March 2017 in “ Genes and immunity ”

E H C Wang, Gina M. DeStefano, Anjni Patel, Esther Drill, Sivan Harel, Carolina Cela, Masoud Tavazoie, Angela M. Christiano

alopecia areata microRNAs miRNAs cytotoxic T lymphocytes JAK inhibition genome-wide association studies autoimmune diseases JAK inhibitors

Studysummary Certain microRNAs may help treat alopecia areata by targeting immune pathways.

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

The document identified differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in alopecia areata that targeted immune-regulatory pathways. The study highlighted the role of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in driving alopecia areata and demonstrated that JAK inhibition could reverse the condition. The research underscored the genetic and environmental factors contributing to alopecia areata, supported by findings from genome-wide association studies and twin studies. Additionally, the document discussed the involvement of specific miRNAs in autoimmune diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets.

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research Alopecia Areata: Animal Models Illuminate Autoimmune Pathogenesis and Novel Immunotherapeutic Strategies

82 citations , March 2016 in “Autoimmunity reviews”

This review explores animal models of alopecia areata, particularly focusing on the insights they've provided into the disease's immune mechanisms and potential treatment approaches, without reporting new experimental data.

research Alopecia Areata Is Driven by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Is Reversed by JAK Inhibition

701 citations , August 2014 in “Nature medicine”

This study found that JAK inhibitors promote hair regrowth in both mice and human alopecia areata cases by blocking key immune pathways involved in disease development.

research Genes and Immune Response in Alopecia Areata: Review of the Alopecia Areata Research Summit First Day Proceedings

6 citations , December 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of alopecia areata, focusing on immunity and genetics, and presents potential targets for therapy without reporting new clinical results.

research Development of Autoimmune Hair Loss Disease Alopecia Areata Is Associated with Cardiac Dysfunction in C3H/HeJ Mice

18 citations , April 2013 in “PLOS ONE”

This study found that in a mouse model, alopecia areata was associated with changes in heart structure, biochemistry, and gene expression linked to cardiac hypertrophy after ACTH exposure.

research Genome-Wide Association Study in Alopecia Areata Implicates Both Innate and Adaptive Immunity

717 citations , June 2010 in “Nature”

This study identified key genetic regions associated with alopecia areata, highlighting both acquired and innate immune involvement, with a novel link to the upregulation of ULBP ligands in autoimmune disease.

research Gene Array Profiling and Immunomodulation Studies Define a Cell-Mediated Immune Response Underlying the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata in a Mouse Model and Humans

114 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is caused by an immune response, and targeting immune cells might help treat it.

research Role of Cytotoxic T Cells in Chronic Alopecia Areata

127 citations , January 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic mechanisms, specifically involving granzyme B and Fas pathways, are associated with chronic alopecia areata, indicating their potential role in the disease's persistence.

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.