Targeted Inhibition of EGFR Reduces Anti-Microbial Defense Mechanisms at the Hair Canal
November 2023
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
TLDR Inhibiting EGFR weakens skin's defense against bacteria.
The study investigates the effects of inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on skin health, particularly focusing on the development of papulopustular eruptions and bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus-induced folliculitis. Using mouse models lacking EGFR in specific skin and hair follicle cells, researchers found that EGFR is essential for maintaining barrier integrity during hair eruption, preventing microbial invasion that leads to skin inflammation. The study identified a subpopulation of hair follicle cells with a unique anti-microbial peptide signature, highlighting the hair canal's role in skin defense. These findings aim to improve EGFR-targeted cancer therapies by reducing adverse skin effects and identifying new anti-microbial mechanisms.