The 2011 Cicatricial Alopecia Research Symposium featured 90 world-class experts presenting the latest research from the scientific community representing academia, industry, and government. Hair biologists, immunologists, dermatologists, environmental toxicologists, and hair-transplant surgeons met in their common pursuit of a deeper understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of cicatricial alopecia. The symposium facilitated the exchange of ideas and information between laboratory and clinical researchers to accelerate the translation of basic scientific discoveries into clinical applications.
Participants included Pratima Karnik, PhD, NIAMS Director Stephen Katz, MD, PhD, keynote speaker Kevin D. Cooper, MD., panel moderators Thomas McCormick, PhD and Lloyd King, MD, PhD.Highlights:
Inflammatory Alopecia with a Focus on Cicatricial Alopecia: David A Norris, MD
UV Radiation and Autoimmune Disease in Women: Frederick W Miller, MD, PhD
9:45-10:05 NK and NKT Cells: Bridging the Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems: John R Ortaldo, PhD
Role of Environmental Factors in T Cell Differentiation and in Autoimmune Disease: Francisco J. Quintana, PhD
Hair Follicle Immune Privilege and Immune-mediated Attack in PCA: Matt Harries, MB ChB, MRCP (UK)
Autoimmune Mechanisms in Cicatricial Alopecia: John E Harris, MD, PhD
Disease Presentation and Epidemiology: Paradi Mirmirani, MD & Vera Price MD
Clinical Aspects of Cicatricial Alopecia: Vera Price, MD
Histopathological Aspects of Cicatricial Alopecia: Len Sperling, MD
Dramatic progress has been made in the field since the last Colloquium. Looking to the future, we hope more new projects will be tackled. Much needs to be done, but the future looks surprisingly bright in regard to a more confident understanding and effective treatment for this long neglected group of hair disorders.
