Mediation of Alopecia Areata by Cooperation Between CD4+ and CD8+ T Lymphocytes

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Abstract
ALOPECIA AREATA is an organ-restricted T-lymphocyte autoimmune condition of the hair follicle, with changes in the nail matrix. It results in hair loss and baldness, which is often associated with severe psychological problems, especially in girls and young women.1,2 Alopecia areata is frequently a relapsing, remitting condition,3 and it has an association with other autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune thyroiditis4 and vitiligo.5 The condition responds to treatment with immunomodulating agents, including corticosteroids,6 and immunotherapy with contact sensitizers.7 Circulating antibodies to hair follicles are present in human8,9 and murine10 alopecia areata. However, these antibodies are also reported in controls and exhibit variability in the structures that they bind. Transfer of human serum to nude mice bearing human scalp grafts does not induce hair loss despite deposition of immune reactants in hair follicles.11