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Alopecia areata |
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Alopecia
areata is a common autoimmune genetically predisposed
hair follicles disorder affecting different body surface areas. Exposure
to bacterial or parasital antigen may be a triggering factor.
Much evidence suggests that alopecia areata is a tissue restricted
autoimmune disease. Alopecia areata responds to immunosuppressive
agents, and is associated with other tissue restricted autoimmune
diseases, including autoimmune thyroiditis and vitiligo.[1] Anti-hair
follicle antibodies are modulated during the disease process, can occur
before clinically detectable hair loss, and may be reduced in titer
during successful treatment.[2] Recent data suggest that
neurotrophins and their receptors are differentially expressed among the
subsets of immune cells in alopecia areata-affected skin.[3] 1.Gilhar A, Shalaginov R, Assy B, Serafimovich S, Kalish RS. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 1999 Dec;4(3):207-10 2.Tobin DJ. Characterization of hair follicle antigens targeted by
the anti-hair follicle immune response. J
Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2003 Oct;8(2):176-81. |
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