Commentary
Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2007) 127, 1289–1291. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700655
Clues from Alopecia Areata on the Role of Neuropeptides in the Initiation of Autoimmunity
Richard S Kalish1
1Department of Dermatology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
Correspondence: Dr. Richard S. Kalish, Department of Dermatology, Health Science Center T-16 Room 060, SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8165, USA. E-mail: richard.kalish@stonybrook.edu
Abstract
A fascinating question regarding the pathogenesis of alopecia areata is the potential linkage with the brain. Siebenharr et al. demonstrate that substance P fibers are increased in early lesions, and that substance P treatment induces catagen follicles along with activated CD8+ T cells. Potentially, neuropeptides serve as the initial insult resulting in loss of tolerance and autoimmune disease.
