Resident Human Dermal Gamma Delta T-Cells Operate as Stress Sentinels: Lessons from the Hair Follicle

August 2021 in “ Journal of Autoimmunity ”

Youhei Uchida, Jennifer Gherardini, Karin I. Pappelbaum, Jeremy Chéret, Andreas Schulte‐Mecklenbeck, Catharina C. Groß, Nataša Štrbo, Amos Gilhar, Alfredo Rossi, Wolfgang Funk, Takuro Kanekura, Luís Almeida, Marta Bertolini, Ralf Paus

γδT-cells hair follicles alopecia areata immune privilege catagen stress-induced ligands stress-sentinels HFs AA

Studysummary This study found that human dermal γδT-cells can act as stress sentinels and potentially trigger autoimmune responses toward stressed hair follicles, resembling features of alopecia areata.

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The study explored the role of human dermal γδT-cells in stress response and autoimmunity, particularly in the context of hair follicles (HFs) and alopecia areata (AA). Researchers used an ex vivo human scalp HF organ culture model to investigate how γδT-cells interact with stressed HFs. They found that γδT-cells are recruited and activated by stress-induced ligands from HFs, leading to cytotoxic effects that contribute to HF immune privilege collapse and premature catagen, key features of AA. This model provided insights into the specific interactions of human γδT-cells, overcoming limitations of murine models and offering a clinically relevant tool for studying these mechanisms.

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