ROS-Responsive Hydrogel-Delivered miR-665 Targets STAT3 to Alleviate Inflammation and Promote Hair Follicle Regeneration in Alopecia Areata
February 2026
in “
Figshare
”
alopecia areata ROS-responsive hydrogel miR-665 STAT3 inflammation hair follicle regeneration PVA-TSPBA injectability ROS-dependent degradation keratinocytes dermal papilla cells imiquimod-induced AA mouse model T-cell infiltration miRNA–biomaterial strategy hair loss hydrogel microRNA biocompatible hydrogel
TLDR A new hydrogel treatment reduces inflammation and promotes hair growth in alopecia areata.
The study presents a novel approach for treating alopecia areata (AA) using a ROS-responsive hydrogel to deliver miR-665, which targets STAT3 to reduce inflammation and promote hair follicle regeneration. The hydrogel, PVA-TSPBA, was designed for localized and sustained release of miR-665, showing excellent injectability and ROS-dependent degradation. In vitro, miR-665 overexpression inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, counteracting IFN-γ-induced suppression in keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells. In an imiquimod-induced AA mouse model, the hydrogel significantly promoted hair regeneration, restored follicular structure, and reduced T-cell infiltration. This biocompatible hydrogel platform offers a promising miRNA–biomaterial strategy for safe and effective AA treatment.
