TLDR Nonimmunosuppressive cyclosporines might treat skin diseases by affecting cell growth.
Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant targeting CD4+ T lymphocytes, was found to directly affect the growth of various epithelial cell types. It stimulated hair follicle keratinocytes, leading to hypertrichosis, while exerting a cytostatic effect on other epithelial cells. This antiproliferative property was also observed in some cyclosporine analogues with minimal or no immunosuppressive effects, indicating different molecular mechanisms for epithelial cell growth modulation and immunosuppression. This discovery suggested potential for using nonimmunosuppressive cyclosporines in treating hyperproliferative epidermal diseases.
98 citations,
December 2008 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Prolactin affects hair growth and skin conditions, and could be a target for new skin disease treatments.
148 citations,
December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.
59 citations,
September 2008 in “Experimental dermatology” Both mouse and rat models are effective for testing alopecia areata treatments.
21 citations,
March 2019 in “Experimental Dermatology” Immune cells around hair follicles help control hair growth and could be targets for treating hair disorders.
2 citations,
September 2022 in “Cytotherapy” Fat-derived stem cells show promise for treating skin issues and improving wound healing, but more research is needed to confirm the best way to use them.
