Genetic Basis of Alopecia Areata

October 2012 in “ Dermatologic clinics ”

Ali Jabbari, Lynn Petukhova, Rita Cabral, Raphael Clynes, Angela M. Christiano

alopecia areata CTLA4 IL2 IL21 HLA ULBP IL2RA autoimmune condition genetic loci immune-related genes genome-wide association studies GWAS therapeutic targets AA immune system genes

TLDR More research is needed to understand the genetic causes of Alopecia areata to develop better treatments.

The document "Genetic Basis of Alopecia Areata" from January 1, 2013, discussed the genetic factors contributing to alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune condition causing hair loss. It identified several genetic loci, particularly immune-related genes such as CTLA4, IL2/IL21, HLA, ULBP, and IL2RA, associated with AA. The study highlighted the polygenic nature of the disease and its overlap with other autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) revealed potential therapeutic targets, suggesting that existing drugs for other autoimmune diseases could be repurposed for AA. The research underscored the complexity of genetic interactions and the importance of immune system genes in AA's pathogenesis.

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Research cited in this study

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research Familial Aggregation of Alopecia Areata

295 citations , May 2016 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata, a common autoimmune hair loss condition, often runs in families.

research Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disease Causing Hair Loss

16 citations , April 2011 in “Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease causing hair loss in patches, often starting before age 20, and while some cases recover on their own, treatments include topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, and promising new methods like IL-31 antibodies and 308-nm Excimer laser therapy.

research Generalized Vitiligo Associated Autoimmune Diseases in Japanese Patients and Their Families

81 citations , January 2011 in “Allergology International”

Japanese vitiligo patients and their families often have other autoimmune diseases.

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.

research Interventions for Alopecia Areata

164 citations , April 2008 in “Cochrane library”

Current treatments for alopecia show no significant long-term benefits.

research Maintenance of Hair Follicle Immune Privilege Is Linked to Prevention of NK Cell Attack

253 citations , December 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Hair follicles prevent NK cell attacks to avoid hair loss.

research Lymphocytes, Neuropeptides, And Genes Involved In Alopecia Areata

286 citations , August 2007 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where T cells attack hair follicles.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Treatment Options

151 citations , February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.

research Genomewide Scan for Linkage Reveals Evidence of Several Susceptibility Loci for Alopecia Areata

143 citations , January 2007 in “The American Journal of Human Genetics”

Certain genes on chromosomes 6, 10, 16, and 18 may increase the risk of alopecia areata.

research The Pattern and Profile of Alopecia Areata in Singapore: A Study of 219 Asians

275 citations , November 2002 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata mainly affects young people and has significant psychological impacts, especially in males.

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 Profile of Alopecia Areata: A Questionnaire Analysis of Patients and Families

161 citations , March 1992 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata often starts before age 20, is more common in women, and may have a genetic link with other autoimmune diseases.

Related Research

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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.