Increased Blood Levels of NKG2D+CD4+ T Cells in Patients with Alopecia Areata

The study investigated the role of NKG2D+CD4+ T cells in alopecia areata (AA) by analyzing blood samples from 43 patients with AA and 26 healthy controls. It found a 2.49-fold increase in NKG2D+CD4+ T cells in AA patients compared to controls, suggesting these cells could be involved in the disease's pathogenesis. The study highlighted that these cells might produce IFN-γ, contributing to the collapse of hair follicle immune privilege. Although the increase was not statistically significant in patients with mild AA or those on immunosuppressive therapy, the findings suggested that NKG2D+CD4+ T cells could serve as potential therapeutic targets and markers for AA activity. Further research was recommended to better understand their functional properties in AA.