Discussing the Pathophysiology of Alopecia Areata

Author(s):

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA,Amy McMichael, MD

Key Takeaways

Alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disorder causing non-scarring hair loss due to immune system attacks on hair follicles.
Breakdown of immune privilege in hair follicles leads to infiltration by cytotoxic T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells.
Inflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ and TNF-α are key contributors to immune-mediated hair follicle destruction.
The chronicity of alopecia areata is linked to persistent immune dysregulation and genetic predisposition.

Panelists discuss how alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation that attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss and varying disease progression.

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EP: 1.Discussing the Pathophysiology of Alopecia Areata

Video content above is prompted by the following:

Describe the pathophysiology of alopecia areata (AA) and what makes it a chronic, autoimmune disease?.
a. Describe the role of inflammation in AA.