Translational Positioning of Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata

April 2015 in “ EBioMedicine ”

Ulrike Blume‐Peytavi, Annika Vogt

Janus Kinase inhibitors JAK inhibitors ruxolitinib tofacitinib Alopecia Areata CD8+ cell infiltrates IFN-gamma gene expression follicular penetration topical treatments AA

TLDR JAK inhibitors may help treat Alopecia Areata but need careful monitoring due to side effects.

The document discussed the potential of Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib and tofacitinib, as treatments for Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune disease causing hair loss. Clinical studies indicated that these inhibitors could reverse AA symptoms by reducing CD8+ cell infiltrates and normalizing IFN-gamma gene expression. However, the broad spectrum of side effects and patient heterogeneity required careful monitoring, especially in young patients. Future research was recommended to focus on enhancing follicular penetration and reducing systemic absorption for safer and more effective topical treatments.

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