The Homing of Exogenous Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Into Hair Follicle Niches

This study explores the ability of exogenous hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (hfMSCs) to integrate into hair follicle (HF) niches and promote hair growth. Using dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and dermal sheath cells (DSCs) from EGFP-transgenic mice, researchers found that these cells effectively home to HF niches, especially after depilation, which enhances their migration. Injecting these cells into NOD/SCID mice showed that depilation increased follicle integration and hair growth, linked to higher expression of hair growth markers β-catenin and Ki67. Factors like cell passage, dose, and immune response affect homing efficiency, with higher doses and immunosuppression improving outcomes. The CXCL13/CXCR5 axis plays a crucial role in cell migration, as its disruption reduces cell integration into HF niches. Overall, exogenous DPCs and DSCs can stimulate hair growth, with depilation and immunosuppression enhancing their effectiveness.