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.

View this study on jidsponline.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

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”

Alopecia areata involves both innate and adaptive immunity, with specific genes linked to the disease.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Alopecia Areata Question

in Treatment 2 upvotes 3 years ago

A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

community mbp alopecia areata or vitamin deficiency

in Chat 5 months ago

A 19-year-old male has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 8 months with no progress and is considering seeking a second opinion due to potential misdiagnosis. The discussion revolves around whether the hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a vitamin deficiency.

community Olumiant alternative for Alopecia Areata?

in Treatment 1 upvotes 1 year ago

A user with alopecia areata is considering treatment options like injections or Olumiant but is concerned about cost and whether delaying treatment will lead to permanent hair loss. They are seeking alternative treatments that are more affordable for a college student.

community Covid (likely) induced alopecia areata - now 2nd round of Covid, what can I expect?

in Treatment 1 upvotes 1 year ago

After experiencing hair loss due to alopecia areata following COVID-19 vaccination and infection, the individual saw improvement with steroid treatments and Olumiant. They paused Olumiant during a second COVID-19 infection and expressed concern about potential hair loss flare-ups.

community Onion Juice - An effective topical treatment for Alopecia Areata 🧬

in Treatment 1 year ago

Onion juice, when applied topically, is an effective treatment for Alopecia Areata, showing significant hair regrowth in both males and females. The study suggests it could be interesting to test its effectiveness on Androgenic Alopecia.

community Nearly 40% of Adults with Alopecia Areata Taking OLUMIANT® 4-mg Saw at Least 80% Scalp Hair Coverage at 52 Weeks

in Research/Science 6 upvotes 2 years ago

Nearly 40% of adults with alopecia areata achieved at least 80% scalp hair coverage after 52 weeks of taking OLUMIANT® 4-mg. The conversation distinguishes this success from androgenetic alopecia, which is a different type of hair loss.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

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.