The Immunogenetics of Alopecia areata

How Our Microbiome Influences the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

“…SNPs in the genes encoding some heat shock proteins (HSPs) [ 64 ] and genes involved in the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as PRDX5 and ACOX have also been linked to alopecia areata [ 65 ]. It is noteworthy that some of these genes encode stress-inducible proteins or are associated with a greater effect of stress in alopecia areata [ 66 ], which will be discussed later in one of the next sections, which is another factor that influences the development of the disease.…”

“…Polymorphisms in the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE), whose complete loss of function produces polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) where alopecia areata is a common sign, continue to be associated with alopecia areata in patients without APECED [ 67 ]. Other genes implicated include forkhead box P3 (FOX3P) [ 68 ], ikaros family zinc finger 4 (IKZF4) [ 43 ], glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) [ 65 ], cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTL4) [ 43 ], IL-2A receptor chain (IL-2RA) [ 43 ], protein tyrosine phosphatase no receptor 22 (PTPN22) [ 69 ] and transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) [ 70 ] among others [ 66 ].…”

“…SNPs in genes encoding cytokines involved in the progression of alopecia areata after the IP collapse are also associated. These genes encode IL-1 family, IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, IL-6, IL-26, IL-12B and TNF family [ 66 ]. Other genes are related to the progression of alopecia areata after the IP collapse of hair follicles such as the suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1) gene [ 43 ], FAS and FAS ligand genes [ 71 ], the neurogenic locus homolog 4 (NOTCH4) [ 72 ] and some chemokines encoding genes [ 73 ].…”

“…On the other hand, in the previous section about genetics and alopecia areata, it has been mentioned that some associated polymorphisms also act at the oxidative stress level. Polymorphisms in stress-inducible protein genes such as HSPs [ 64 ] and NKGD2 receptor ligands [ 63 ], as well as in genes involved in ROS clearance such as PRDX5 and ACOX [ 65 ], have been linked to alopecia areata [ 66 ]. It is also noteworthy that ROS can occur in the context of situations other than alopecia areata as a consequence of treatment, infections or established comorbidities [ 80 , 81 ].…”

Comment on: Alopecia in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with Disease Modifying Therapies

“…5 AA is an autoimmune disease. 6,7 Porwal et al point to the occurrence of polyautoimmunity (2 or more autoimmune diseases). Polyautoimmunity may increase morbidity due to inflammation.…”