High-Throughput T Cell Receptor Sequencing Identifies Clonally Expanded CD8+ T Cell Populations in Alopecia Areata

The study identified clonally expanded CD8+ T cell populations in patients with alopecia areata using high-throughput T cell receptor sequencing, suggesting these T cells played a significant role in the disease's pathogenesis. The research indicated that targeting these specific T cell populations could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Treatment with the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib reduced these clonal expansions but did not completely eliminate them, which might explain disease relapse after stopping treatment. The findings supported an antigen-driven model of alopecia areata and highlighted the importance of continuous treatment to maintain remission.