Phenotypic Analysis of T-Cells in Extensive Alopecia Areata Scalp Suggests Partial Tolerance

December 2005 in “ The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology ”

Matthew J. Deeths, Bart T. Endrizzi, Michelle Irvin, Lynne P. Steiner, Marna E. Ericson, Maria Hordinsky

alopecia areata T-cells CD-3 CD-4 CD-8 CD-69 IL-2 IFN-γ flow cytometry immunohistochemical staining alopecia interleukin-2 interferon-gamma

Studysummary This study demonstrates that T-cell responses in extensive alopecia areata scalp may be aberrantly regulated, with reduced cytokine production but activated phenotype, providing insight into the disease's immune mechanisms. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study analyzed T-cells in the scalp of 12 patients with extensive alopecia areata (EAA) and 6 controls, finding that EAA T-cells exhibited partial tolerance with lower CD-3 expression and reduced production of Th-1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ. Despite similar CD-4/CD-8 ratios and CD-69 expression indicating T-cell activation, the immune response in EAA was aberrantly regulated, suggesting mechanisms of peripheral T-cell tolerance. This unique immune environment in the hair follicle might prevent scarring and follicle destruction, offering potential therapeutic avenues.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research The Histopathology of Alopecia Areata in Vertical and Horizontal Sections

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research Alopecia Areata But Not Androgenetic Alopecia Is Characterized By A Restricted And Oligoclonal T-Cell Receptor-Repertoire Among Infiltrating Lymphocytes

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This study observed that patients with alopecia areata often have a T-cell receptor repertoire in skin lesions that suggests a specific antigen-driven immune response may be important in the disease's pathogenesis.

research Histopathology of Non-Scarring Alopecia

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The document describes how to tell different types of non-scarring hair loss apart by looking at hair and scalp tissue under a microscope.

research Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis And Treatment

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This review discusses the potential autoimmune pathogenesis and various contributing factors of alopecia areata, noting that current treatments remain palliative while emerging therapies offer new hope for extensive cases.

research Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Characterization of the Cellular Infiltrate in Alopecia Areata, Totalis, and Universalis

78 citations , July 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”