Controlled Delivery of T-box21 Small Interfering RNA Ameliorates Autoimmune Alopecia in a C3H/HeJ Mouse Model

The study demonstrated that controlled delivery of T-box21 (Tbx21) small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly improved autoimmune alopecia (alopecia areata) in a C3H/HeJ mouse model. Using biodegradable cationized gelatin microspheres for siRNA delivery, the treatment effectively suppressed Tbx21 protein and MHC class II expression, leading to significant hair regrowth. Additionally, the study found that Th1 cytokine Ifng was highly expressed in alopecic skin and that its expression was suppressed by Il4 injections, which also reduced CD8 T cell infiltration and promoted hair regrowth. These findings suggested that targeting Tbx21 and modulating Th1/Th2 cytokine balance could be effective therapeutic strategies for alopecia areata. The study included 78 mice, with various treatment groups showing significant improvements in hair growth.