Dupilumab and Alopecia Areata: A Possible Combined or Disturbance Therapy? A Review of the Literature

Michela  Starace; Stephano   Cedirian; Federico  Quadrelli; Francesca  Pampaloni; Tullio  Brunetti; Marco Adriano  Chessa; Carlotta Gurioli; Bianca Maria  Piraccini; Iria   Neri

doi:10.5826/dpc.1404a270

Dupilumab and Alopecia Areata: A Possible Combined or Disturbance Therapy? A Review of the Literature

Authors

Michela Starace Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
Stephano Cedirian Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
Federico Quadrelli Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
Francesca Pampaloni Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
Tullio Brunetti Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
Marco Adriano Chessa Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
Carlotta Gurioli Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
Bianca Maria Piraccini Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
Iria Neri Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy

Keywords:

Dupilumab, Th1-inflammation, Th2-inflammation, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-4 receptor subunit alpha, has revolutionized the treatment landscape for atopic dermatitis. This literature review delves into the intriguing relationship between atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, exploring the dual impact of dupilumab on patients with these coexisting dermatological conditions. Our analysis of 25 relevant articles reveals a complex interplay where dupilumab can either exacerbate or ameliorate alopecia areata, depending on individual patient characteristics and pathogenic pathways. In our findings, while some patients experienced worsening of AA with dupilumab, others achieved remarkable hair regrowth, highlighting the double nature of its effects.

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