A high IFN status has also been associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, such as vitiligo and alopecia areata, which exhibit type 1 and type 2 IFN signatures, respectively,42,43 suggesting a potential association of excessive antiviral responses with the subsequent breaching of immune-privileged areas leading to immune responses against self-antigens. This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and alopecia areata.