Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by transient hair loss and preservation of the hair
follicle that affect both sexes.There is scarcity in the published data that discuss the role of DR3 in pathogenesis and
prognosis of AA. Therefore, our study was conducted to study this role by assessment of DR3 expression on circulating
CD4 positive lymphocytes in AA patients. This study was a case control study that included 50 patients with AA in
addition to 50 apparently healthy individuals of matched age and sex as a control group. Assessment of DR3 expression
on circulating CD4 positive lymphocytes on both groups was done by flow cytometric analysis. Results of the present
study demonstrated a significant difference in DR3 expression level between AA patients and control group. DR3
expression level was considered as risk predictor of AA occurrence. In addition, it was considered as risk predictor of
active and severe (higher SALT score) cases.