Intrinsic Modulators of Hair Growth: Roles of Growth Factors, Cytokines, Chemokines, and Interferons

July 2025 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Simonetta I. Gaumond, Karen Lee, Narges Maskan, Peyton V. Warp, Emilee M Dreifus, Naiem T. Issa, Joaquín J. Jiménez

growth factors cytokines chemokines interferons hepatocyte growth factor insulin-like growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor transforming growth factor-beta interferon-gamma alopecia areata androgenic alopecia JAK inhibitors stem cell-based therapies platelet-rich plasma therapy PRP

From the encyclopedia

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor →

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

Studysummary This review investigates how various intrinsic factors—such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and interferons—regulate hair growth through evidence gathered from in vitro and in vivo studies, highlighting the need for further research in human subjects to validate these findings.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review examines the roles of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and interferons in regulating hair growth, identifying key stimulators like hepatocyte growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, while noting inhibitors such as transforming growth factor-beta and interferon-gamma. It highlights the complexity of hair loss disorders, including alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia, and explores potential treatments like JAK inhibitors, stem cell-based therapies, and platelet-rich plasma therapy. Despite the predominance of animal studies, the review underscores the importance of these biological factors in developing new hair restoration strategies.

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