skin & beauty

HLA-DQA2

Genetics of Autoimmunity in Patchy Hair Loss (HLA-DQA2)

Written by Aleksa Ristic, MS (Pharmacy) on December 30th, 2020

Scientists have discovered variants in the HLA-DQA2 gene with the strongest known impact on patchy hair loss! Read this post to learn your risk and get gene-based tips.

Summary

Increased or altered activity of HLA genes may contribute to an autoimmune disruption of hair growth, as seen in alopecia areata.

Specific gene variants may increase HLA-DQA2 activity. They correlate with significantly higher odds of alopecia areata.

Read this post to learn the potential ways to stimulate hair growth by targeting HLA-DQA2 variants.

The HLA-DQA2 Gene & Hair Loss

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, including HLA-DQA2, make proteins on white blood cells. HLA proteins flag harmful external components and stimulate the immune response against them [R].

Alopecia areata (spot baldness or patchy hair loss) is an autoimmune condition in which immune cells attack the hair follicles and interrupt the hair growth cycle. Increased activity or impaired structure of HLA proteins may contribute to this process [R, R].

Of all gene variants, those in the HLA-DQA2 gene have the strongest known impact on alopecia areata [R, R].

The HLA-DQA2 gene helps make a protein that stimulates the immune response against foreign substances. Increased HLA activity may contribute to an autoimmune disruption of hair growth, as seen in alopecia areata.

Your HLA-DQA2 Results for Alopecia Areata

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs9275572
rs9275524

Primary SNP:

rs9275572 [R]:

‘G’ – associated with relatively higher odds of alopecia areata
‘A’ – associated with relatively lower odds of alopecia areata
The ‘G’ allele may contribute to autoimmunity by increasing or altering HLA-DQA2 activity.

Another Important SNP:

rs9275524 [R]

‘C’ – associated with relatively higher odds of alopecia areata
‘T’ – associated with relatively lower odds of alopecia areata

These two variants are always inherited together, so they act as a single genetic factor. This means you will either have both ‘problematic’ genotypes or none of them.

Recommendations

UV Light Therapy

Research suggests that UV light may reduce autoimmunity by suppressing HLA proteins [R, R].

UV-A light therapy (combined with drugs that increase its activity) caused hair regrowth in most cases of alopecia areata in 5 clinical trials. This treatment was effective when applied through a specific (excimer) laser in three more studies [R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

UV-B radiation may also help with patchy hair loss, in part by boosting vitamin D production [R].

UV light therapy may enhance hair growth in alopecia areata by targeting your gene variants.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can combat autoimmune inflammation by reducing HLA activity [R, R].

Low blood vitamin D levels have been associated with increased incidence, severity, and duration of alopecia areata in multiple studies [R, R, R, R, R].

Sunlight exposure is our primary vitamin D source, but people deficient in this vitamin may need to take oral supplements [R].

In one study, applying a topical vitamin D derivative (calcipotriol) caused partial hair regrowth in 75% and full regrowth in 27% of people with alopecia areata. This treatment may be equally effective as UV-B radiation [R, R].

Improving your vitamin D status and applying a topical vitamin D derivative may stimulate hair growth by targeting your HLA-DQA2 variants.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency may contribute to inflammation by stimulating HLA proteins [R].

One study associated patchy and diffuse hair loss with low blood zinc levels. The authors suggested that disturbed zinc metabolism played a crucial role in these conditions [R].

In line with this, zinc supplementation may improve both conditions in people with zinc deficiency. In a trial of 73 women complaining of hair loss, zinc was especially effective when combined with pantothenic acid [R, R, R].

Good dietary sources of zinc include red meat, seafood, dairy products, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. People deficient in this mineral may need to take zinc supplements [R].

Zinc deficiency may worsen the impact of your gene variants on hair loss. Prevent it by consuming zinc-rich foods, and consider taking zinc supplements.

Aleksa Ristic

MS (Pharmacy)

Aleksa received his MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade, his master thesis focusing on protein sources in plant-based diets.

Aleksa is passionate about herbal pharmacy, nutrition, and functional medicine. He found a way to merge his two biggest passions—writing and health—and use them for noble purposes. His mission is to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, helping readers improve their health and feel better.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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Summary The HLA-DQA2 Gene & Hair Loss Your HLA-DQA2 Results for Alopecia Areata

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