Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Upregulates NKG2D Ligands in the Hair Follicle
TLDR Stress in hair follicle cells increases certain immune-related proteins, which might contribute to hair loss conditions.
The study from May 1, 2017, explored how endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress influences the increase of NKG2D ligands in hair follicles, which could play a part in the development of Alopecia Areata (AA). Human hair follicles were treated with tunicamycin to trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR), leading to a significant rise in ULBP 1, 4, and 6 levels, while MICA, MICB, and ULBP 2 and 3 remained unaffected. These results indicate a link between UPR and the elevation of NKG2D ligands in stressed hair follicles, offering insight into the potential role of the gene PRDX5 in the pathogenesis of AA and other autoimmune diseases.
