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

September 2022

Rodney Sinclair

alopecia areata ILC1-like innate lymphocytes NKG2D IFN-γ hair follicle immune privilege hair fiber dystrophy CD200R CD127 CXCR6 CD8+ T cells AA interferon gamma

TLDR ILC1-like cells may contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata and could be new treatment targets.

The study explores the involvement of ILC1-like innate lymphocytes in alopecia areata (AA), identifying a novel population of NKG2D+ ILC1-like cells around hair follicles that secrete IFN-γ, leading to hair follicle immune privilege loss and hair fiber dystrophy. These cells are distinct from NK cells, as shown by FACS analysis using markers like CD200R, CD127, and CXCR6. The research challenges the view that AA is solely driven by CD8+ T cells and suggests ILC1-like cells as potential therapeutic targets. Despite limitations such as budget constraints preventing single-cell RNA sequencing, the study provides significant insights into AA's molecular biology and highlights the need for further research to confirm the specific lineage of these cells.

View this study on elifesciences.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Alopecia Areata Question

in Treatment 2 upvotes 3 years ago

A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

community mbp alopecia areata or vitamin deficiency

in Chat 5 months ago

A 19-year-old male has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 8 months with no progress and is considering seeking a second opinion due to potential misdiagnosis. The discussion revolves around whether the hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a vitamin deficiency.

community Olumiant alternative for Alopecia Areata?

in Treatment 1 upvotes 1 year ago

A user with alopecia areata is considering treatment options like injections or Olumiant but is concerned about cost and whether delaying treatment will lead to permanent hair loss. They are seeking alternative treatments that are more affordable for a college student.

community Covid (likely) induced alopecia areata - now 2nd round of Covid, what can I expect?

in Treatment 1 upvotes 1 year ago

After experiencing hair loss due to alopecia areata following COVID-19 vaccination and infection, the individual saw improvement with steroid treatments and Olumiant. They paused Olumiant during a second COVID-19 infection and expressed concern about potential hair loss flare-ups.

community Onion Juice - An effective topical treatment for Alopecia Areata 🧬

in Treatment 1 year ago

Onion juice, when applied topically, is an effective treatment for Alopecia Areata, showing significant hair regrowth in both males and females. The study suggests it could be interesting to test its effectiveness on Androgenic Alopecia.

community Nearly 40% of Adults with Alopecia Areata Taking OLUMIANT® 4-mg Saw at Least 80% Scalp Hair Coverage at 52 Weeks

in Research/Science 6 upvotes 2 years ago

Nearly 40% of adults with alopecia areata achieved at least 80% scalp hair coverage after 52 weeks of taking OLUMIANT® 4-mg. The conversation distinguishes this success from androgenetic alopecia, which is a different type of hair loss.

Related Research

4 / 4 results

research Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.

research Regulatory T Cells in Autoimmune Skin Diseases

24 citations, March 2018 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Treg dysfunction is linked to various autoimmune skin diseases, and understanding Treg properties is key for new treatments.

research Oral Tofacitinib: A Promising Treatment in Atopic Dermatitis, Alopecia Areata, and Vitiligo

37 citations, October 2017 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Oral tofacitinib shows promise in treating atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, but only slight improvement in vitiligo.

research Vitiligo After Diphencyprone for Alopecia Areata

18 citations, January 2010 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

DPCP treatment for alopecia areata can sometimes cause vitiligo.