Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Alopecia Areata: A Narrative Review

The narrative review explores the potential of stem cell-based therapies for treating alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disorder causing hair loss. Traditional treatments like corticosteroids and JAK inhibitors often have limited success and high relapse rates. Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), offer a promising alternative due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, which can inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and regulate immune responses. Over 30 studies have shown promising results in both preclinical and clinical settings, demonstrating significant hair regrowth with minimal adverse effects. However, challenges remain in standardizing protocols and understanding long-term safety, necessitating further research to optimize these therapies for AA.