[The role of cell-mediated immune response in pathogenesis of alopecia areata].

Recent studies have suggested that cell-mediated immune response play a critical role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA). Eighteen patients with AA were included in the study. Fifteen healthy subjects served as controls. Serum levels of sTNF alpha RI and sIL-2R were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The serum levels of sTNF alpha RI were significantly elevated in patients with AA in comparison with control group. The serum levels of sIL-2R were higher in AA patients than in healthy subjects but not significantly. These results indicate, that immune mechanisms in AA are characterized by activation of T cells and other cells, possibly keratinocytes.