Mathematical model for alopecia areata. (7th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dobreva, Atanaska; Paus, Ralf; Cogan, N.G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of theoretical biology. Volume 380(2015)
• Page Start: 332
• Page End: 345
• Publication Date: 2015-09-07
• Subjects: Autoimmunity -- Immune privilege -- Hair loss; Biology -- Periodicals; Biological Science Disciplines -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biologie -- Périodiques; Theoretische biologie; Biology; Periodicals; 571.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2015.05.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5193

Abstract

Abstract: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease, and its clinical phenotype is characterized by the formation of distinct hairless patterns on the scalp or other parts of the body. In most cases hair falls out in round patches. A well-established hypothesis for the pathogenesis of AA states that collapse of hair follicle immune privilege is one of the essential elements in disease development. To investigate the dynamics of alopecia areata, we develop a mathematical model that incorporates immune system components and hair follicle immune privilege agents whose involvement in AA has been confirmed in clinical studies and experimentally. We perform parameter sensitivity analysis in order to determine which inputs have the greatest effect on outcome variables. Our findings suggest that, among all processes reflected in the model, immune privilege guardians and the pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon- γ govern disease dynamics. These results agree with the immune privilege collapse hypothesis for the development of AA. Abstract : Highlights: We develop a model to explore the dynamics of alopecia areata (AA). The model reflects interactions between hair follicles and the immune system. Interferon- γ and immune privilege guardians govern disease development and recovery. Our results agree with the immune privilege collapse hypothesis for AA pathogenesis.