Humanized CXCL12 Antibody Delays Onset and Modulates Immune Response in Alopecia Areata Mice: Insights from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

The study demonstrates that a humanized CXCL12 antibody can delay the onset of alopecia areata (AA) in mice and modulate the immune response. Subcutaneous injection of the antibody significantly reduced the presence of T cells and dendritic cells/macrophages in the AA model. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed 153 genes that were upregulated in the AA model and downregulated after antibody treatment, with gene ontology analysis showing changes in immune cell chemotaxis and response to type II interferon. Key immune-related genes, such as Ifng and Cd8a, were regulated by the antibody treatment. The study highlights the potential of humanized CXCL12 antibody as a treatment for AA through its immune modulatory effects.