Performance Exploration of Multi-Gene Panels of Alopecia Areata Susceptibility and Drug-Binding Targets

This study investigates the autoimmune nature of alopecia areata (AA), identifying 51 upregulated genes linked to immune cell regulation, particularly involving CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. It highlights the unique interactions between immune cells and melanocytes in AA patients, suggesting these cells may attack hair follicles. The research utilized datasets and machine learning models to predict AA susceptibility with high accuracy and explored drug-binding targets through molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Methotrexate, resveratrol, and curcumin emerged as potential therapeutic agents, with methotrexate showing strong affinity for protein structures, supporting its efficacy in hair regrowth. The study underscores the importance of immune cell interactions in AA and suggests potential treatment strategies, though further validation is needed.