How IL-27 affects hair loss in alopecia areata
IL-27 and downstream mechanisms in Alopecia Areata
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 ID | NIH-11177806 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jabbari, Ali — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Jabbari, Ali
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 below.