Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies
ABSTRACT Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by unpredictable, nonscarring hair loss, affecting millions worldwide. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, driven by intricate interactions among immune dysregulation, genetic predisposition, and env...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2025-05-01
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| Series: | MedComm |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70182 |
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| author | Tianyou Ma Tingrui Zhang Fengze Miao Jun Liu Quangang Zhu Zhongjian Chen Zongguang Tai Zhigao He |
| author_facet | Tianyou Ma Tingrui Zhang Fengze Miao Jun Liu Quangang Zhu Zhongjian Chen Zongguang Tai Zhigao He |
| author_sort | Tianyou Ma |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ABSTRACT Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by unpredictable, nonscarring hair loss, affecting millions worldwide. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, driven by intricate interactions among immune dysregulation, genetic predisposition, and environmental triggers. Despite significant advances in identifying these contributing factors, substantial gaps persist in our understanding of the full spectrum of AA's molecular mechanisms and in the development of effective therapeutic approaches. This review aims to comprehensively explore the immunological, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors underlying AA, with a focus on immune‐mediated mechanisms. We also evaluate diagnostic approaches and recent advancements in assessing disease severity. Furthermore, the review discusses evolving therapeutic options, including traditional therapies, biologics, small‐molecule agents, and emerging treatments. The academic value of this work lies in its synthesis of current knowledge on the multifaceted nature of AA, providing insights for future research and clinical practice. By elucidating the interconnected factors underlying AA, this review seeks to advance both understanding and management of this prevalent, clinically challenging disorder. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-40b97581eb4145bca05415def04a81f6 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2688-2663 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | MedComm |
| spelling | doaj-art-40b97581eb4145bca05415def04a81f62025-08-20T03:07:16ZengWileyMedComm2688-26632025-05-0165n/an/a10.1002/mco2.70182Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and TherapiesTianyou Ma0Tingrui Zhang1Fengze Miao2Jun Liu3Quangang Zhu4Zhongjian Chen5Zongguang Tai6Zhigao He7Department of Pharmacy Longhua Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai ChinaShanghai Skin Disease Hospital School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai ChinaShanghai Skin Disease Hospital School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai ChinaShanghai Skin Disease Hospital School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai ChinaShanghai Skin Disease Hospital School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai ChinaShanghai Skin Disease Hospital School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai ChinaShanghai Skin Disease Hospital School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai ChinaDepartment of Pharmacy Longhua Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai ChinaABSTRACT Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by unpredictable, nonscarring hair loss, affecting millions worldwide. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, driven by intricate interactions among immune dysregulation, genetic predisposition, and environmental triggers. Despite significant advances in identifying these contributing factors, substantial gaps persist in our understanding of the full spectrum of AA's molecular mechanisms and in the development of effective therapeutic approaches. This review aims to comprehensively explore the immunological, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors underlying AA, with a focus on immune‐mediated mechanisms. We also evaluate diagnostic approaches and recent advancements in assessing disease severity. Furthermore, the review discusses evolving therapeutic options, including traditional therapies, biologics, small‐molecule agents, and emerging treatments. The academic value of this work lies in its synthesis of current knowledge on the multifaceted nature of AA, providing insights for future research and clinical practice. By elucidating the interconnected factors underlying AA, this review seeks to advance both understanding and management of this prevalent, clinically challenging disorder.https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70182alopecia areataautoimmunitydiagnosispathogenesistargeted therapy |
| spellingShingle | Tianyou Ma Tingrui Zhang Fengze Miao Jun Liu Quangang Zhu Zhongjian Chen Zongguang Tai Zhigao He Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies MedComm alopecia areata autoimmunity diagnosis pathogenesis targeted therapy |
| title | Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies |
| title_full | Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies |
| title_fullStr | Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies |
| title_full_unstemmed | Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies |
| title_short | Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies |
| title_sort | alopecia areata pathogenesis diagnosis and therapies |
| topic | alopecia areata autoimmunity diagnosis pathogenesis targeted therapy |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70182 |
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