Stimulation of Hair Follicle Stem Cell Proliferation Through an IL-1α Dependent Activation of γδ T-Cells
TLDR Certain immune cells, when activated by specific signals, can encourage hair growth.
The study investigated the mechanisms behind hair follicle stem cell proliferation during wound healing using a mouse model with epidermis-specific ablation of caspase-8. Researchers found that IL-1α and IL-7 secreted by keratinocytes synergistically expanded the population of activated resident epidermal γδ T-cells. This activation led to the preferential proliferation of hair follicle stem cells. Additionally, IL-1α stimulated dermal fibroblasts, which in turn optimally promoted epidermal stem cell proliferation. These findings highlighted the complex interactions between epidermal and immune cells and how inflammatory components can differentially influence various stem cell niches within the skin.
