Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in alopecia areata: missing link?. (29th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abou Rahal, J.; Kurban, M.; Kibbi, A.‐G.; Abbas, O.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Volume 30:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2014-12-29
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12932
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0926-9959

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Type I interferon (IFN) signature has been implicated in alopecia areata (AA). However, type I IFN source has never been documented. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) are generally known to be the main source and most potent producers of local type I IFNs. Their role in AA pathogenesis has never been investigated. Objective: Investigate PDC role in AA. Methods: Nineteen AA cases were retrieved from our database and were immunohistochemically tested for PDC occurrence and activity using anti‐BDCA‐2 and anti‐MxA antibodies respectively. Comparison to 10 trichotillomania and 7 androgenetic alopecia (AGA) cases was also done. Results: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells were present in all AA cases in a peri‐bulbar location and, as indirectly assessed by MxA expression, were in an active state producing type I IFNs. All trichotillomania cases showed the presence of PDCs, though significantly less abundant and in a different distribution (mainly superficial perivascular) than that in AA. PDC presence and MxA expression were absent in AGA. Conclusions: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells constitute a central component of the peribulbar infiltrate in AA suggesting a significant role in AA pathogenesis. Additionally, PDC distribution could help in microscopically differentiating AA from trichotillomania or AGA.