Crosstalk Between Immune Microenvironment and Hair Follicle Cells Underlies Sexual Dimorphism in Androgenetic Alopecia

This study investigates the role of skin-resident myeloid cells in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and explores sex-specific differences in dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced hair loss. Using both male and female mice, the research found that DHT inhibited hair regrowth, altered skin thickness, and caused hair follicle miniaturization. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed enhanced interactions between myeloid and fibroblast cells, with stronger crosstalk in females. In vitro experiments showed that DHT promoted apoptosis of dermal papilla cells in the presence of macrophages. Polypeptides Y001 and Y002 were effective in promoting hair regrowth by suppressing apoptosis pathways, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents for AGA.