TLDR JAK inhibitors helped treat hair loss in two people with Down syndrome.
The document discussed two cases where Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition showed therapeutic benefits for individuals with Down syndrome (DS) suffering from alopecia areata (AA). DS is associated with immune dysregulation and a higher risk of autoimmune conditions, partly due to the genetic cause, trisomy 21 (T21), which activates the interferon (IFN) response and hyperactivates JAK/STAT signaling. This leads to chronic autoinflammation and overexpression of IFN-stimulated genes. The study highlighted the potential of JAK inhibitors in managing AA in DS patients by targeting the underlying molecular mechanisms.
116 citations,
February 2017 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” JAK inhibitors help with skin conditions but need more research on dosing and safety.
162 citations,
October 2014 in “Autoimmunity reviews” Alopecia areata is caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles.
55 citations,
October 2019 in “Dermatology and therapy” Drugs targeting the JAK/STAT pathway can improve atopic dermatitis but vary in effectiveness for vitiligo and alopecia areata, with generally mild safety concerns.
489 citations,
November 2021 in “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy” The JAK/STAT pathway is important in cell processes and disease, and JAK inhibitors are promising for treating related conditions.
9 citations,
January 2023 in “Dermatology and therapy” A 14-year-old girl with severe hair loss regrew her hair using upadacitinib.
1 citations,
December 2023 in “Molecules/Molecules online/Molecules annual” JAK inhibitors show promise for treating various skin diseases.
95 citations,
November 2018 in “Australasian journal of dermatology” Alopecia areata treatment varies, with no optimal method established yet.
