The Multi-Faceted Role of Gut Microbiota in Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex autoimmune disorder with multifactorial pathogenesis. Recent research highlights the gut microbiota as a possible key player in AA pathogenesis through the gut–skin axis: gut dysbiosis may disrupt intestinal barrier integrity and immune tolerance by affecting T regulatory cells, potentially contributing to disease onset and progression. The purpose of this review is to analyze the current evidence on the correlation between gut microbiota and AA, dissecting both the pathogenetic role of its alterations in the onset and progression of disease and its potential role as a therapeutic target.