How IL-27 affects hair loss in alopecia areata
Official title: IL-27 and downstream mechanisms in Alopecia Areata
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11177806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are exploring whether the immune molecule IL-27 helps stop the immune attack that causes hair loss in people with alopecia areata.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $305,910 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR077194-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11177806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with alopecia areata—especially those willing to donate skin or blood samples or participate in translational studies—are the most likely candidates to contribute to this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without alopecia areata, those seeking immediate treatment benefit, or those with other causes of hair loss are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic research right away.
What this research studies
If you have alopecia areata, this project will look at how the immune signal IL-27 influences the cells that attack hair follicles. The team will use laboratory experiments, animal models, and human tissue or blood samples to follow how IL-27 changes immune behavior. They may use gene-delivery tools (like AAV) and cell-based tests to trace the molecular steps downstream of IL-27. Findings could point to immune pathways that protect hair follicles from damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new anti-inflammatory pathways that lead to treatments protecting or restoring hair in alopecia areata.
How similar studies have gone: Some preclinical research in other autoimmune diseases suggests IL-27 can regulate immune responses, but its specific role in alopecia areata is not yet well established.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jabbari, Ali — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Jabbari, Ali
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Dupilumab for hair regrowth in children with alopecia areata
This project gives dupilumab to children and teens with widespread alopecia areata, especially those with allergies or high IgE, to help their hair grow back.
-
Targeting the NKG2A immune pathway to treat alopecia areata
This project will try blocking the NKG2A immune signal to reduce the immune attack on hair follicles and help people with alopecia areata regrow hair.
-
Using hydrogels to treat hair loss in alopecia areata
This study is exploring a new gel treatment for people with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, to see if it can help stimulate hair regrowth in a safe and effective way.
-
Using dupilumab to treat hair loss in children with alopecia areata
This study is looking at how a medication called dupilumab can help kids with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, by encouraging hair regrowth and making sure the treatment is safe and effective for them.
-
Investigating the NKG2A pathway to treat hair loss in alopecia areata
This study is looking at alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, and is exploring new ways to help by targeting certain immune cells; if you're dealing with this condition, you might have a chance to join trials testing these exciting new treatments.
-
Investigating the role of IL-27 in hair loss caused by autoimmune disease
This study is looking at how a substance called IL-27 affects the immune system in people with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, to find new ways to help treat it.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.