Clues from alopecia areata on the role of neuropeptides in the initiation of autoimmunity.
A fascinating question regarding the pathogenesis of alopecia areata is the potential linkage with the brain. Siebenharr et al. demonstrate that substance P fibers are increased in early lesions, and that substance P treatment induces catagen follicles along with activated CD8+ T cells. Potentially, neuropeptides serve as the initial insult resulting in loss of tolerance and autoimmune disease.
Kalish
Richard S
RS
Department of Dermatology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8165, USA. richard.kalish@stonybrook.edu
D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000502:physiology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D013373:Substance P / Q000276:immunology*
D013373:Substance P