The Hair Follicle as a Neuro-Immuno-Endocrine Organ: Implications in Hair Disorders and Regenerative Therapies

January 2026

Shaimaa Farouk

hair follicle neuro-immuno-endocrine organ alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia cicatricial alopecias platelet-rich plasma stem cell-based approaches neuromodulatory strategies regenerative dermatology HF PRP

TLDR Understanding hair follicle signaling can improve hair disorder treatments.

The hair follicle (HF) is recognized as a neuro-immuno-endocrine organ, playing a crucial role in hair disorders such as alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and cicatricial alopecias. Disruptions in its sensory, immune, and endocrine signaling pathways can lead to hair pathology. Recent therapeutic advances, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell-based approaches, and neuromodulatory strategies, aim to regenerate hair by targeting these pathways. Understanding the HF's complex signaling networks offers new therapeutic targets, and future studies should focus on restoring HF homeostasis to improve outcomes in regenerative dermatology.

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