Follicular Cell Implantation: An Emerging Cell Therapy for Hair Loss

In 2005, Jeffrey Teumer and Jerry Cooley discussed Follicular Cell Implantation (FCI) as a potential cell therapy for hair loss. They highlighted the ability of adult dermal papilla cells to induce new hair growth and the advances in culturing these cells to maintain their hair-inductive capability, such as coculture systems with keratinocytes and the use of WNT signaling. The paper also addressed the challenges of cell implantation and the possibility of using allogeneic FCI due to the immune-privileged status of hair follicles. The authors concluded that FCI, which relies on the regeneration capabilities of dermal papilla and sheath cells, could soon be a viable treatment for hair loss and could pave the way for more complex organ regeneration therapies.