Hair Regrowth in Alopecia Areata and Re-Pigmentation in Vitiligo in Response to Treatment: Commonalities and Differences

September 2024 in “ Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

Hiroki L. Yamaguchi, Yuji Yamaguchi, Elena Peeva

alopecia areata vitiligo interferon-γ interleukin-15 cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes corticosteroids JAK inhibitors hair follicle stem cells melanocyte stem cells

Studysummary This review explores the shared pathogenesis of alopecia areata and vitiligo and compares treatment responses, noting that hair regrowth in alopecia areata occurs more rapidly than skin re-pigmentation in vitiligo, possibly due to differences in stem cell biology and treatment effects on melanocytes. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This study examines the mechanisms and treatment responses in alopecia areata (AA) and vitiligo, focusing on hair follicle stem cells (HFSC) and melanocyte stem cells (McSC). It finds that AA lesions regenerate faster than vitiligo lesions due to factors like HFSC abundance and JAK inhibitors' effects. Treatments for AA, such as JAK inhibitors like baricitinib and ritlecitinib, show promise, while vitiligo treatments face challenges, requiring camouflage and psychological support. The study highlights shared pathogenesis through interferon signaling and the potential of targeting stem cell biology and inflammatory pathways to improve outcomes. It also discusses the complexity of vitiligo treatment, including immunomodulators, phototherapy, and surgical options, emphasizing the need for further research to develop novel therapies.

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Research cited in this study

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research Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata and Vitiligo: Commonalities and Differences

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This study examines the similarities and differences in the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions alopecia areata and vitiligo, highlighting shared features like immune cell involvement and cytokine pathways, while noting differing immune responses in skin and hair.

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research Inhibition of T-Cell Activity in Alopecia Areata: Recent Developments and New Directions

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research Alopecia Areata: Current Treatments and New Directions

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research Efficacy and Safety of Ritlecitinib in Adults and Adolescents With Alopecia Areata: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Multicentre, Phase 2b–3 Trial

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Systematic Review of Newer Agents for the Management of Alopecia Areata in Adults: Janus Kinase Inhibitors, Biologics and Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors

research Systematic Review of Newer Agents for the Management of Alopecia Areata in Adults: Janus Kinase Inhibitors, Biologics and Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors

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242 citations , February 2016 in “Science”

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