Dandruff Lesional Scalp Skin Exhibits Epidermal T Cell Infiltration and a Weakened Hair Follicle Immune Privilege

    March 2024 in “ International Journal of Cosmetic Science ”
    Susan L. Limbu, Talveen S. Purba, Matthew Harries, Rhia Kundu, Ranjit K. Bhogal, Ralf Paus
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    Studysummary This study observed that dandruff-affected scalp skin has increased T-cell infiltration in the epidermis and a reduction in the hair follicle's physiological immune privilege, particularly in the suprabulbar outer root sheath area, indicating a distinct immune microenvironment compared to healthy scalp. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    The study examines the immune environment of dandruff-affected scalp skin, focusing on T cell infiltration and hair follicle immune privilege (IP). It reveals increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell presence in the epidermis of dandruff lesions, indicating an immune response, while hair follicle compartments show no significant T cell changes. A weakened IP is observed in dandruff-associated hair follicles, particularly in the suprabulbar outer root sheath, with increased MHC class I and β2M expression and decreased MIF expression. These findings suggest that enhancing hair follicle IP could be a novel strategy for managing dandruff, potentially reducing hair shedding by prolonging the anagen phase. The study involved 16 female subjects, providing insights into the immune dynamics of dandruff-affected skin.
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