Etiology of Cicatricial Alopecias: A Basic Science Point of View

This article summarized the understanding of cicatricial alopecia pathogenesis and proposed several hypothetical mechanisms for scarring alopecia development. It suggested that targeted cytotoxic action against hair follicle cells, mediated by folliculocentric inflammation, might be involved. One hypothesis proposed autoimmune targeting of hair follicle-specific self-antigens, though lacking direct evidence. Other hypotheses included defects in sebaceous gland function, destruction of hair follicle stem cells, and disrupted communication between hair follicle mesenchyme and epithelium. The article emphasized the need for systematic research to address these questions and advance the understanding of cicatricial alopecia etiology.