Towards Cell-Based Therapy of Alopecia Areata: Autologous Human Vδ2+ Foxp3+ γδTreg Cells Restore Hair-Follicle Immune Privilege and Promote Hair Regrowth in Human Alopecia Areata Models Ex Vivo and In Vivo

January 2026 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Aviad Keren, Nyra Goldstein, Marta Bertolini, R. Kassem, Nataša Štrbo, Ralf Paus, Amos Gilhar

alopecia areata autologous human Vδ2+ Foxp3+ γδTreg cells hair-follicle immune privilege hair regrowth lymphocytic infiltration IL-10 TGF-β1 adenosine generation immune privilege collapse AA γδTregs interleukin-10 transforming growth factor beta 1

Studysummary This study found that human γδTregs promoted hair regrowth and restored hair follicle immune privilege in a model of alopecia areata, suggesting potential for cell-based therapy in autoimmune diseases.

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The study investigates the use of autologous human Vδ2+ Foxp3+ γδTreg cells as a cell-based therapy for alopecia areata (AA). These cells were expanded and activated in vitro and then injected into human scalp skin xenografts on mice. The γδTregs successfully reduced lymphocytic infiltration, restored hair follicle immune privilege, and promoted hair regrowth in AA lesions. In ex vivo models, they suppressed pathogenic T-cell activity and counteracted AA hallmarks through IL-10 and TGF-β1 secretion, contact-dependent inhibition, and adenosine generation. The findings indicate that γδTregs could be a promising therapeutic approach for AA and other autoimmune diseases involving immune privilege collapse.

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