Lb1034 Meta-Analysis of Scalp Transcriptome Defines Alopecia Areata Subtypes and Molecular Response to Four Treatments With JAK Inhibiting Properties

This study investigates the molecular characteristics of alopecia areata (AA) subtypes and their response to JAK inhibitor treatments. By analyzing gene expression profiles from lesional and non-lesional scalps of AA patients, the study found that alopecia totalis/universalis (AT/AU) exhibits more severe molecular abnormalities compared to patchy-type AA (AAP). Treatments with JAK inhibitors, such as ritlecitinib, brepocitinib, tofacitinib, and ruxolitinib, were shown to reduce inflammatory mediators and increase hair keratin expression. AAP responded better to these treatments than AT/AU, with ritlecitinib particularly enhancing hair growth-related genes DSG4 and FGF18. The findings highlight the distinct molecular responses of AA subtypes to JAK inhibitors, suggesting potential for tailored therapeutic strategies.