Autoimmune Disease Induction in a Healthy Human Organ: A Humanized Mouse Model of Alopecia Areata

October 2012 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Amos Gilhar, Aviad Keren, Avner Shemer, Roberto d’Ovidio, Yehuda Ullmann, Ralf Paus

alopecia areata autoimmune hair loss humanized mouse model peripheral blood mononuclear cells PBMCs NKG2D+ cells CD56+ cells immunocompromised mice hair loss disorder AA

TLDR Alopecia areata can be triggered by specific immune cells without genetic or environmental factors.

The study developed a humanized mouse model to replicate alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune hair loss disorder, by using healthy human skin grafts on immunocompromised mice. The model involved injecting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) enriched for NKG2D+ and CD56+ cells from healthy donors into the grafts, which induced AA-like hair loss. This model demonstrated that AA could be induced without predisposing genetic or environmental factors, highlighting the role of NKG2D+ and CD56+ cells in AA pathogenesis. The study used 55 mice and provided a valuable tool for preclinical testing of AA therapies.

View this study on jidonline.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disease Causing Hair Loss

421 citations, April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.

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 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 Probing the Effects of Stress Mediators on the Human Hair Follicle

159 citations, December 2007 in “American Journal of Pathology”

Stress-related substance P may lead to hair loss and negatively affect hair growth.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community PP405: The Ultimate Hair Loss Drug for Complete Hair Growth

in Research/Science 206 upvotes 2 months ago

PP405 is a new hair loss treatment in phase 2 trials that may promote hair growth by increasing lactate production and activating hair follicle stem cells. It could potentially replace hormone-disrupting treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.

community Lilly to seek first approval of an autoimmune drug for hair loss

in Research/Science 19 upvotes 3 years ago

Eli Lilly's drug baricitinib showed effectiveness in treating alopecia areata, with higher doses resulting in significant hair regrowth compared to placebo. The treatment is not for male pattern baldness.

community DUPA/Retrograde might not be DHT based...GET A BIOPSY QUICK or permanent Hair Loss!

in Research/Science 38 upvotes 2 weeks ago

DUPA and retrograde alopecia may not be solely DHT-based, and a biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, oral minoxidil, pioglitazone, clobetasol, calcipotriol, ketoconazole, and doxycycline, depending on the specific condition.

community My scalp punch biopsy results🤔?

in Female 7 upvotes 2 years ago

Female using Rogaine foam for hair loss had scalp punch biopsy, diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). Doctor recommended starting Spironolactone 50mg.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 6 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community My experience and a discourse on “DUPA”

in Chat 46 upvotes 2 years ago

How diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) is not an invitation to self-diagnose oneself with aggressive AGA and that seeking a specialized dermatologist may help people experiencing hair loss. Treatment options discussed include topical clobetasol propionate, oral minoxidil, and discontinuing finasteride.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

research The Role of Lymphocytes in the Development and Treatment of Alopecia Areata

60 citations, September 2015 in “Expert Review of Clinical Immunology”

Lymphocytes, especially CD8+ T cells, play a key role in causing alopecia areata, and targeting them may lead to new treatments.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Insights from January 2018

290 citations, December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, influenced by genetics, stress, and diet, and may be prevented by a high soy oil diet.

research Alopecia Areata: A Review of Disease Pathogenesis

191 citations, May 2018 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata is likely an autoimmune disease with unclear triggers, involving various immune cells and molecules, and currently has no cure.

Involvement of ILC1-Like Innate Lymphocytes in Human Autoimmunity: Lessons from Alopecia Areata