Immunopathogenesis and Experimental Models of Alopecia Areata: From Mechanistic Insights to Translational Platforms - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #Autoimmune Disease
- #Experimental Models
- #Hair Loss Research
- Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune non-scarring hair loss disorder with significant clinical variability and psychosocial impact.
- Key pathogenic mechanism involves collapse of hair follicle immune privilege, leading to cytotoxic T-cell responses and inflammation via IFN-γ/IL-15 pathways.
- Innate immune populations, neuroimmune stress pathways, and hair follicle compartments contribute to disease heterogeneity, though roles are still being studied.
- Experimental models like C3H/HeJ mice, humanized systems, and organ cultures are vital for mechanistic insights and drug screening, but none fully replicate the entire disease.
- This review integrates immunopathology with model evaluation to guide future research and therapeutic development in AA.