Novel Potential Therapeutic Targets of Alopecia Areata

April 2023 in “ Frontiers in Immunology ”

Wei Xu, Sheng Wan, Bo Xie, Xiuzu Song

alopecia areata immune cells γδ T cells TRM cells Treg cells Tol DCs iNKT cells adipose-derived stem cells ADSCs gut microbiota non-coding RNAs short-chain fatty acids SCFAs JAK inhibitors hair regrowth AA stem cells fatty acids

TLDR New treatments for hair loss from alopecia areata may include targeting immune cells, using stem cells, balancing gut bacteria, applying fatty acids, and using JAK inhibitors.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a hair loss disorder affecting 2% of the population, believed to be driven by immune and genetic factors. The document discusses potential therapeutic targets for AA, including various immune cells such as γδ T cells, TRM cells, Treg cells, Tol DCs, and iNKT cells. It also highlights the role of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in treating AA, with a study showing hair regrowth in all patients after three and six months of ADSCs treatment. The document suggests that dysregulation of gut microbiota and certain non-coding RNAs can contribute to AA, and that topical application of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to scalp hair follicles may be a promising treatment. It also mentions that systemic injection of JAK inhibitors reduced AA development in a mouse model, and several phase II clinical studies have shown that oral JAK inhibitor treatment significantly promotes hair regrowth and improves AA.

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research Scalp Biomarkers During Dupilumab Treatment Support Th2 Pathway Pathogenicity in Alopecia Areata

15 citations , November 2022 in “Allergy”

Dupilumab treatment reduces Th2-related markers and helps hair growth in alopecia areata, showing Th2's role in the condition.

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 Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitor Baricitinib in the Treatment of Adults with Alopecia Areata: Phase 2 Results from a Randomized Controlled Study

66 citations , October 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Baricitinib is effective and safe for treating severe alopecia areata.

research Innovative Method of Alopecia Treatment by Autologous Adipose-Derived SVF

11 citations , August 2021 in “Stem Cell Research & Therapy”

The document concludes that using a person's own fat cells (SVF) can significantly increase hair thickness and density, suggesting it could be a promising treatment for hair loss.

research Resident Memory T Cells in Autoimmune Skin Diseases

50 citations , May 2021 in “Frontiers in immunology”

Certain immune cells contribute to skin autoimmune diseases, and some treatments can reverse hair loss in these conditions.

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Study of Hair Regeneration Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Constituent Extract in Androgenetic Alopecia

25 citations , August 2020 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

ADSC-CE treatment safely increases hair density and thickness in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Shows Robust T Helper 1 and Janus Kinase 3 Skewing

34 citations , June 2020 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is linked to increased immune system activity and reduced stem cells, suggesting early treatment targeting this pathway might prevent hair follicle damage.

research Frontiers in Alopecia Areata Pathobiology Research

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

The review suggests that other immune cells besides CD8+ T cells may contribute to alopecia areata and that targeting regulatory cell defects could improve treatment.

research Alopecia Areata Patients Show Deficiency of FOXP3+CD39+ T Regulatory Cells and Clonotypic Restriction of Treg TCRβ-Chain, Highlighting the Immunopathological Aspect of the Disease

30 citations , July 2019 in “PloS one”

Patients with Alopecia areata have fewer specific immune cells that normally regulate the immune system, which may contribute to the condition.

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 Review of Disease Pathogenesis

191 citations , September 2018 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata is likely an autoimmune disease with unclear triggers, involving various immune cells and molecules, and currently has no cure.

research iNKT Cells Ameliorate Human Autoimmunity: Lessons from Alopecia Areata

27 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity”

iNKT cells can help prevent and treat alopecia areata by promoting hair regrowth.

research Cellular Therapy with Human Autologous Adipose-Derived Adult Cells of Stromal Vascular Fraction for Alopecia Areata

45 citations , May 2018 in “Stem Cell Research & Therapy”

Using patients' own fat-derived cells to treat alopecia areata significantly improved hair growth and was safe.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Insights from January 2018

290 citations , January 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, influenced by genetics, stress, and diet, and may be prevented by a high soy oil diet.

research Alopecia Areata: Treatment Options and Efficacy

182 citations , January 2018 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Some treatments can help with a hair loss condition called alopecia areata, but none ensure lasting results; choices depend on the person, with JAK inhibitors showing promise for severe cases.