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A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
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Alopecia areata.
C Herbert Pratt1, Lloyd E King2, Andrew G Messenger3
1Department of Genetic Resource Sciences, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA.
Nature Reviews. Disease Primers
|March 17, 2017
Summary
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy or total hair loss. Understanding its genetic basis and immune triggers offers hope for new treatments and potential remission.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder causing non-scarring hair loss.
- It affects nearly 2% of the population, presenting in various forms from patchy to total hair loss.
- The condition involves a lymphocytic infiltrate around the hair follicle, suggesting a breakdown of immune privilege.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of alopecia areata, including its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
- To highlight the role of genetics and immune system dysfunction in the disease.
- To discuss recent advances and future prospects for treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical manifestations and diagnostic tools like dermoscopy and histopathology.
- Analysis of genetic studies in patients and mouse models identifying susceptibility loci.
- Examination of the immunological mechanisms, particularly the breakdown of hair follicle immune privilege.
Main Results:
- Alopecia areata is a complex, polygenic disease linked to hair follicle cycling and development pathways.
- Clinical diagnosis is primary, supported by dermoscopy and histopathology.
- Understanding molecular mechanisms is paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Alopecia areata pathogenesis involves a breakdown of hair follicle immune privilege and complex genetic factors.
- Despite management challenges, recent research offers promising new treatments.
- Future research focusing on molecular mechanisms may lead to effective therapies and remission.
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