IL-12/IL-23 Neutralization Is Ineffective for Alopecia Areata in Mice and Humans

The document summarizes a study that found IL-12/IL-23 neutralization to be ineffective in treating alopecia areata (AA) in both a C3H/HeJ mouse model and in humans. In the mouse model, treatment with antibodies specific for IL-12/23 p40 or IL-23 p19 did not prevent hair loss. Similarly, a retrospective chart review of four patients with AA treated with ustekinumab, a drug that targets the p40 subunit, showed no hair regrowth. These results challenge the role of IL-12 and IL-23 in AA pathogenesis and their viability as treatment targets. The study suggests that randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings, acknowledging the small sample size of human patients as a limitation.