eISSN: 1644-4124
ISSN: 1426-3912
Central European Journal of Immunology
Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Special Issues Editorial board Abstracting and indexing Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures
Editorial System
Submit your Manuscript
SCImago Journal & Country Rank
3/2020
vol. 45
 
Share:
Share:
abstract:
Review paper

Immunology of alopecia areata

Marta Żeberkiewicz
1
,
Lidia Rudnicka
2
,
Jacek Malejczyk
1

  1. Department of Histology and Embryology, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
  2. Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Cent Eur J Immunol 2020; 45 (3): 325-333
Online publish date: 2020/11/01
View full text Get citation
 
PlumX metrics:
Alopecia areata is a condition that affects hair follicles and leads to hair loss ranging from small well-defined patches to complete loss of all body hair. Despite its high incidence, the pathobiology is not fully understood, and no single concept could be universally accepted. Alopecia areata is mostly considered to be an autoimmune disease, in which the collapse of hair follicle immune privilege plays a key role. Higher incidence rate in the female population and increased overall risk of other autoimmune disorders militate in favor of autoimmune hypothesis. Antibodies against multiple components of hair follicles almost exclusively attack in anagen phase, where melanogenesis takes place. It suggests involvement of melanogenesis-associated autoantigens as a target epitope. Some investigators believed that alopecia areata is not a truly autoimmune disease but is only ‘consistent with’ autoimmune mechanisms. High frequency of a positive family history up to 42% may reflects the contribution of heredity factors. In addition, no specific target autoantigen has been identified so far, and autoantibodies to hair follicle-associated antigens are detectable in normal individuals.
keywords:

alopecia areata, immunology, autoimmune

Quick links
© 2024 Termedia Sp. z o.o.
Developed by Bentus.