title: The pathogenesis of alopecia areata.
abstract: Knowledge of the disease mechanisms in alopecia areata is discussed in the light of progress in hair biology, immunology, and genetics. A disease model is presented incorporating polygenic determination of disease severity and susceptibility with largely unknown trigger factors responsible for initiating clinical disease expression. Experimental systems including animal models for alopecia areata offer new opportunities for investigation of alopecia areata and developing novel therapies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: McDonagh
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Messenger
mesh_terms: D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens