IKZF1 and Ikaros Overexpression Results in Alopecia Areata-Like Phenotype in Mice

The study investigates the role of IKZF1 and Ikaros in the development of alopecia areata (AA) using transgenic mice (Ikzf1 Tg) that overexpress the IKZF1 gene. These mice developed AA-like lesions, characterized by high levels of the NKG2D ligand H60 and infiltrating CD8+NKG2D+ T cells in hair follicles. Additionally, there was increased mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin 15, tumor necrosis factor-α, and various chemokines and signaling molecules in the alopecic lesions compared to wild-type mice. Treatment with corticosteroids led to hair regrowth in the transgenic mice. Furthermore, Ikaros expression was found to be higher in the scalp hair follicles of AA patients compared to non-AA controls, suggesting that IKZF1 and Ikaros play a role in the pathogenesis of AA.