Alopecia areata: a comprehensive review of clinical, immunologic, and genetic perspectives

Autoimmune diseases are categorized into two groups: systemic and organ-specific. These chronic and inflammatory conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s tissues or organs, leading to potential damage. Many autoimmune diseases are caused by the attack of immune cells on their tissues. Alopecia Areata (AA), which is thought to be one of these, is a hair follicle disease with many different types and does not leave scars. AA affects up to 2% of the population during their lifetime. It is thought that AA occurs due to the disruption of immune privilege in the hair follicle. Considering the genetic studies and experiments conducted so far, the complex structure of AA becomes apparent. Although it is diagnosed according to clinical findings, dermoscopy and histopathological methods are also used for diagnosis. In addition, genetic susceptibility loci were associated with signaling pathways related to the hair follicle cycle, which is significant in the development of AA. Although there is no definitive medical treatment method today, there are some approaches that suppress the disease. Considering the data obtained by investigating the immunological and molecular mechanisms of the disease, new treatment methods may be received soon.