Alopecia Areata: A Review of the Genetic Variants and Immunodeficiency Disorders Associated with Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) was identified as an autoimmune form of non-scarring hair loss, characterized by features such as increased telogen hair, miniaturized hair follicles, and lymphocytic infiltration of the hair bulb. The breakdown of the immune privilege of hair follicles was considered a key factor in the development of AA. Diagnosis relied on phenotypic manifestations and biopsies, but the variability in clinical and histological presentations made early identification challenging. Understanding genetic variants associated with AA risk was suggested to potentially aid in developing future therapeutic targets.