36 citations,
April 2016 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” A substance called VIP might protect hair follicles from being attacked by the immune system, and problems with VIP signaling could lead to hair loss in alopecia areata.
102 citations,
December 2017 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings” Restoring hair bulb immune privilege is crucial for managing alopecia areata.
42 citations,
March 2008 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Hormones and neuroendocrine factors control hair growth and color, and more research could lead to new hair treatment options.
55 citations,
October 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.
98 citations,
July 2014 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine” Hair follicles are hormone-sensitive and involved in growth and other functions, with potential for new treatments, but more research is needed.