063 CD4 T cells exhibit an effector phenotype and transfer disease in murine alopecia areata

Abstract

Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by T cell infiltration of the hair follicle, resulting in nonscarring hair loss. Although CD4 T cells comprise the majority of the infiltrate, little is known about their contribution to disease pathogenesis. Previously we have identified an increased number of IFN-γ producing CD4+ T cells in the skin-draining lymph nodes (SDLN) as compared to unaffected (UA) controls. The objective for this study was to determine the role that CD4 T cells play in the pathogenesis of AA.