Melanocytes: A Possible Autoimmune Target in Alopecia Areata

August 2009 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Stephanie Trautman, Michele M. Thompson, Janet L. Roberts, Curtis T. Thompson

alopecia areata melanocytes autoimmune immunoperoxidase stains scalp samples hair growth phases follicular melanocytes AA

TLDR Melanocytes might be targeted by the immune system in people with alopecia areata, but more research is needed.

The study investigated the role of melanocytes as potential autoimmune targets in alopecia areata (AA). Using immunoperoxidase stains on scalp samples from 18 AA patients, researchers found a significant reduction in melanocyte density compared to 5 control subjects. Specifically, 72% of AA patients showed only trace to 1+ staining for melanocytes, while all control samples exhibited 3+ staining. This reduction was observed across all hair growth phases. The findings suggested a decreased number of follicular melanocytes in AA, but it remained unclear whether this was due to autoimmune attack or rapid hair cycling. Further research was needed to distinguish between these possibilities.

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