The Molecular Puzzle of Autoinflammatory Skin Diseases: A Review of Chosen Conditions

October 2025 in “ Journal of Applied Genetics ”

Monika Pieniawska, Karolina Rassek, Tomasz Stein, Adriana Polańska, Aleksandra Dańczak‐Pazdrowska, Katarzyna Iżykowska

alopecia areata vitiligo systemic lupus erythematosus psoriasis genetic susceptibility epigenetic regulation immunological pathways

TLDR Autoinflammatory skin diseases are complex, increasingly common, and significantly affect quality of life.

This review discusses four common autoinflammatory skin diseases: vitiligo, alopecia areata, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. It highlights the molecular background of these conditions, focusing on genetic susceptibility, epigenetic regulation, and immunological pathways. The review emphasizes the increasing prevalence of these diseases and their significant impact on patients' quality of life due to visible symptoms and associated emotional and social challenges. The skin's role as a protective barrier and its interaction with the immune system are also explored, underscoring the complexity of these conditions.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

20 / 20 results

research Deciphering the Complex Immunopathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

45 citations , May 2024 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Alopecia areata is caused by immune attacks on hair follicles, affecting hair growth and quality of life.

research Psychological Stress-Induced Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata: Autoimmune and Apoptotic Pathways

3 citations , July 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

Stress may contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata by affecting immune responses and cell death in hair follicles.

research Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Alopecia Areata: A Cutting Edge Review

1 citations , June 2023 in “Genes”

Hair loss from Alopecia Areata is caused by both genes and environment, with several treatments available but challenges in cost and relapse remain.

research Oxidative Stress and Alopecia Areata

3 citations , June 2023 in “Frontiers in medicine”

Oxidative stress may contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata and antioxidants could potentially help as a treatment.

research The Role of Ischemia-Modified Albumin and Ischemia-Modified Albumin to Albumin Ratios in Patients with Alopecia Areata

3 citations , January 2023 in “Dermatology Practical & Conceptual”

IMA and IMA/albumin levels don't predict alopecia areata severity.

research Alopecia Areata: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Recommendations of the Polish Society of Dermatology. Part 2: Treatment

1 citations , January 2023 in “Przegląd Dermatologiczny”

The Polish Society of Dermatology recommends treatments for alopecia areata that vary by severity, including topical and systemic medications, with long-term maintenance important for management.

research Whole Exome Sequencing in Alopecia Areata Identifies Rare Variants in KRT82

9 citations , February 2022 in “Nature communications”

Rare changes in the KRT82 gene are linked to a higher risk of Alopecia Areata.

research Alopecia Areata: An Update on Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

290 citations , August 2021 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

JAK inhibitors show promise for treating alopecia areata, but more research is needed.

research IL-12/IL-23 Neutralization Is Ineffective for Alopecia Areata in Mice and Humans

20 citations , December 2019 in “The journal of allergy and clinical immunology/Journal of allergy and clinical immunology/The journal of allergy and clinical immunology”

Blocking IL-12/IL-23 does not help with hair loss in alopecia areata for mice or humans.

research Targeting the Janus Kinase Family in Autoimmune Skin Diseases

124 citations , October 2019 in “Frontiers in Immunology”

Janus kinase inhibitors are promising treatments for autoimmune skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.

research Identification of Blood MicroRNA Alterations in Patients With Severe Active Alopecia Areata

15 citations , April 2019 in “Journal of Cellular Biochemistry”

Certain blood miRNAs are linked to severe alopecia areata and could lead to new treatments.

research Alopecia Areata: A Multifactorial Autoimmune Condition

148 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.

research Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society

January 2018 in “Przegla̧d dermatologiczny”

The Polish Dermatological Society recommends personalized treatment for cutaneous lupus, including lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring, with specific drugs for severe cases.

research Functional Interpretation of Genome-Wide Association Study Evidence in Alopecia Areata

55 citations , October 2015 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is linked to immune-related genes, suggesting JAK inhibitors as a potential treatment.

research The Role of Lymphocytes in the Development and Treatment of Alopecia Areata

60 citations , September 2015 in “Expert Review of Clinical Immunology”

Lymphocytes, especially CD8+ T cells, play a key role in causing alopecia areata, and targeting them may lead to new treatments.

research The Genetics Of Alopecia Areata: New Approaches, New Findings, New Treatments

62 citations , January 2015 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

New genetic discoveries may lead to better treatments for alopecia areata.

research The Genetic Architecture of Alopecia Areata

23 citations , December 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Genetic discoveries are leading to new treatments for alopecia areata.

research Genetic Basis of Alopecia Areata

40 citations , October 2012 in “Dermatologic clinics”

More research is needed to understand the genetic causes of Alopecia areata to develop better treatments.

research Abnormal Epigenetic Modifications in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Alopecia Areata

48 citations , September 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Epigenetic changes in blood cells may contribute to alopecia areata.

research Histopathology of Alopecia Areata, Acute and Chronic: Why Is It Important to the Clinician?

43 citations , May 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Recognizing the different stages of alopecia areata is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.