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A cross-sectional study of the histopathology and immunology of alopecia areata: Unearthing the role of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway.
- Source :
-
Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology [Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol] 2019 Sep-Oct; Vol. 85 (5), pp. 455-461. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Background: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that occurs as a result of the loss of the inherent immune privilege of the hair follicle. It has been recently demonstrated that the interferon-γ/interleukin-15 feedback loop that signals via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway is critical to the breakdown of this immune privilege.<br />Aims: To evaluate the immunological distribution of CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and study its relation with the clinical and histopathological findings of the disease.<br />Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients of alopecia areata were included in the study. Following a detailed history and clinical examination, a scalp biopsy was performed. Histopathology was studied and immunohistochemistry was done to demonstrate the positivity and distribution of CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1.<br />Results: The follicular count, number of anagen and terminal hair were found to be decreased, whereas the catagen, telogen and vellus hair were found to be increased in number. A peribulbar CD4+ T-cell infiltrate was seen in 70% cases, whereas a CD8+ T-cell infiltrate was seen in 83.3% cases. An intrabulbar CD4+ T-cell infiltrate was seen in 26.7% cases, whereas a CD8+ T-cell infiltrate was seen in 70% cases. Among the 25 hair follicles dermal papilla identified, 36.8% cases were found to be positive for phospho-signal transducer and activation of transcription-1.<br />Limitations: The drawbacks of our study included a small sample size and the use of only vertical sectioning for the scalp biopsy samples.<br />Conclusion: Phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 positivity as an indicator of signalling via the Janus kinase-1/2 pathway was seen in 36.8% of our cases highlighting the integral role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata.<br />Competing Interests: None
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes physiology
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes physiology
Child
Child, Preschool
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Hair Follicle immunology
Hair Follicle pathology
Humans
Janus Kinases physiology
Male
Middle Aged
Young Adult
Alopecia Areata immunology
Alopecia Areata pathology
Janus Kinase 1 physiology
Janus Kinase 2 physiology
Transcription, Genetic physiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0973-3922
- Volume :
- 85
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31031313
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_738_17