ISID1338 - Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Protects From Immune Privilege Collapse and Scarring Hair Follicle Destruction

The study investigates the role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in protecting hair follicles from immune privilege collapse and scarring alopecia, particularly in the context of EGFR-inhibitor anti-cancer treatments. Using mouse models with epidermal or hair follicle-specific deletion of EGFR, researchers observed a hyper-proliferative burst followed by apoptosis of stem cells, leading to fibrotic scarring alopecia. The study highlights the upregulation of antigen presentation machinery and inflammatory pathways, indicating a loss of immune privilege in bulge stem cells. The research aims to identify immune-regulatory mechanisms and test therapeutic candidates in pre-clinical models to develop treatments for patients experiencing hair loss due to EGFR inhibitors and other forms of cicatricial alopecia.