Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by loss of immune privilege (IP) in the hair follicle, as measured by an increase in major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) expression, and is driven by the activation and proliferation of interferon gamma (IFNγ)-secreting immune cells which mediate the attack of hair follicles, resulting in complete or partial hair loss on the scalp and body.

AA is associated with severe psychological burden and has limited treatment options, affecting over 700,000 patients in the US and significantly affecting self-esteem and emotional well-being. Research into the role of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) in AA has opened new therapeutic avenues. DHODH is an enzyme involved in the de novo synthesis of pyrimidines, which are necessary for lymphocyte proliferation. Inhibitors of DHODH have been shown to reduce the hyperactivity of the immune system by limiting lymphocyte proliferation, thus potentially halting the progress of autoimmune conditions such as AA. This approach could lead to targeted treatments that address the underlying immune dysfunction in AA.

To learn more about alopecia areata, resources and support are available through organizations like the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.