Abstract 18: Targeted Epidermal Ablation of EGFR Causes Local and Systemic Inflammation

The study investigated the effects of targeted epidermal ablation of EGFR in a mouse model, revealing that the absence of EGFR led to significant local and systemic inflammation. Mice with EGFR ablation exhibited a strong skin phenotype, including aberrant hair growth, inflammation, and cycles of hair growth and loss. These mice also showed increased levels of inflammatory mediators and hematological abnormalities, indicating that EGFR plays a crucial role in maintaining skin immuno-homeostasis. The findings suggested that EGFR inhibition, commonly used in cancer therapies, could exacerbate skin inflammatory conditions, providing insights into the adverse effects of EGFR-targeted treatments and their impact on the tumor microenvironment.