Figure 3

Immune cell infiltration Analysis in Alopecia Areata (AA). (a) Heatmap shows 16 immune cell types and 13 immune functions identified using the ssGSEA algorithm. The heatmap was generated using R software (version 4.1.1, https://www.r-project.org/). Adjustments to font type and size were made for enhanced clarity. (b) Correlation matrix displays the proportions of different immune cell types. (c) Correlation matrix presents the proportions of various immune functions. (d) Immune Cell Profile in AA and Normal Scalp Tissue: The box plot compares 16 immune cell (imc) populations between Alopecia Areata-affected scalp (AA, red boxes) and normal scalp from healthy controls and unaffected AA scalp (Normal, green boxes). Significant increases in imc subsets, notably CD8 + T cells, are observed in AA lesions, except for T follicular helper (Tfh) and regulatory T cells (Treg). Significance is marked by *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, with 'ns' for non-significant. The box encompasses the interquartile range with the median indicated by the horizontal line, and outliers as points. (e) Immune Function Enhancement in AA Scalp: The box plot shows a marked elevation of 13 immune function (imf) parameters in AA compared to normal scalp tissue. Enhancements in cytolytic activity and inflammation promotion are the most pronounced, highlighting their potential role in AA pathophysiology. Statistical significance is denoted by *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001. The plot's box represents the interquartile range, the median is the line within, and points are outliers. AA, alopecia areata, imc, immune cell; imf, immune function; ssGSEA, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, Tfh, T follicular helper cells; Treg, regulatory T cells.