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

December 2013 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings ”

David A. Norris

alopecia areata innate immunity acquired immunity NKG2D ligands IL-15 CTLA-4 JAK signaling pathways immune privilege antigen-specific T cells

TLDR Alopecia areata involves complex immune and genetic factors, with potential treatment targets identified, but more research is needed.

The first day of the Alopecia Areata Research Summit in 2013 reviewed advancements in understanding the genetic and immunologic factors of alopecia areata (AA). It was found that both innate and acquired immunity played roles in AA, with genetic studies revealing complex immunologic networks. Key treatment targets identified included NKG2D ligands, IL-15, CTLA-4, and JAK signaling pathways. The modulation of immune privilege was also considered as a potential management strategy. However, the specificity of the immune response in AA, particularly the role of antigen-specific T cells or antibodies, remained unclear. The summit highlighted the need for a strong clinical research platform to test new treatments and further explore these findings.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Genetics of Alopecia Areata: What's New and How Will It Help Our Patients?

43 citations, May 2011 in “Dermatologic therapy”

New genetic discoveries in alopecia areata could lead to better treatments.

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

717 citations, June 2010 in “Nature”

A genome-wide association study conducted on 1,054 cases and 3,278 controls identified several susceptibility loci for alopecia areata, suggesting the involvement of both innate and adaptive immunity in the disease. The study highlighted significant associations with genes related to regulatory T cells, CTLA4, IL-2/IL-21, IL-2RA, and the HLA region, as well as genes expressed in the hair follicle like PRDX5 and STX17. Notably, the ULBP gene cluster on chromosome 6q25.1, encoding ligands for the natural killer cell receptor NKG2D, was implicated for the first time in autoimmune disease, with ULBP3 expression upregulated in the hair follicle during active disease. This research provided insights into the genetic basis of alopecia areata and suggested a novel mechanism involving ULBP ligand upregulation in autoimmunity.

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research Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.

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

Research cited in this study

research The Genetics of Alopecia Areata: What's New and How Will It Help Our Patients?

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

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