Double-Stranded RNA Induces Inflammation via the NF-κB Pathway and Inflammasome Activation in the Outer Root Sheath Cells of Hair Follicles

March 2017 in “ Scientific reports ”

Jung-Hye Shin, Dae Eun Choi, Kyung-Ah Sohn, Soo-Yeon Kim, Jeong Min Ha, Young Ho Lee, Myung Im, Young‐Joon Seo, Chang Deok Kim, Jeung‐Hoon Lee, Young Lee

NLRP3 inflammasome outer root sheath cells hair follicles alopecia areata interleukin-1β caspase-1 poly(I:C) high-mobility group box 1 NF-κB pathway inflammasome activation ORS cells AA IL-1β HMGB1

TLDR Double-stranded RNA causes inflammation in hair follicle cells, which may help understand and treat alopecia areata.

This study investigated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the outer root sheath (ORS) cells of hair follicles in the context of alopecia areata (AA). Researchers found increased expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and caspase-1 in AA tissue specimens. Stimulation of ORS cells with the double-stranded RNA mimic poly(I:C) enhanced caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion. NLRP3 knockdown reduced this IL-1β production, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was translocated and secreted due to inflammasome activation. These findings suggested that ORS cells play a crucial role in inducing NLRP3 inflammasomes, and dsRNA-induced IL-1β and HMGB1 secretion may help clarify AA pathogenesis and identify therapeutic targets.

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Research cited in this study

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research Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disease Causing Hair Loss

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Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.

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Alopecia areata involves both innate and adaptive immunity, with specific genes linked to the disease.

research Pitx2, A β-Catenin-Regulated Transcription Factor, Regulates The Differentiation Of Outer Root Sheath Cells Cultured In Vitro

51 citations , February 2009 in “Journal of dermatological science”

Pitx2 helps outer root sheath cells differentiate but can't start hair growth on its own.

research Alopecia Areata: A Tissue-Specific Autoimmune Disease of the Hair Follicle

185 citations , August 2005 in “Autoimmunity Reviews”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles, often influenced by genetics and stress.

research Cytokines and growth factors influence hair growth in vitro. Possible implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of alopecia areata

91 citations , March 1996 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

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