A Meta-Analysis of Chemokines in Alopecia Areata: Recruiting Immune Cells Toward the Hair Follicle

    September 2025 in “ Figshare ”
    Elise Van Caelenberg (22172971), Arno Belpaire (14673842), Nanja van Geel (7161953), Reinhart Speeckaert (703454)
    TLDR Alopecia areata involves complex immune responses, suggesting broader treatments could help.
    This meta-analysis of 46 studies on alopecia areata (AA) reveals a complex chemokine profile, with elevated Th1-associated chemokines like CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL5, and CXCL11, indicating an IFN-γ–driven response. Th2 chemokines, such as CCL13, CCL17, CCL22, and CX3CL1, were also increased, alongside chemokines involved in monocyte/dendritic cell and eosinophil recruitment. The meta-analysis confirmed significantly elevated serum levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL8, and CCL17. These findings suggest that AA involves diverse immune pathways, highlighting the potential for broader immunomodulatory therapies to address the disease's complex immune dysregulation.
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