Hair Follicle Stem Cells Repair Wounds by Converting Effector T Cells into Regulatory T Cells to Shield Against Inflammation

Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) play a crucial role in wound repair by converting effector T cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs) to protect against inflammation. This study found that HFSCs express CD80, an immunomodulatory ligand, during wound healing, which is essential for effective wound repair. The absence of CD80 in HFSCs significantly impairs healing. CD80 expression in HFSCs does not increase Treg differentiation or proliferation but induces Foxp3 expression in effector T cells, converting them into Tregs. This mechanism helps HFSCs create a protective barrier, facilitating wound repair.