IL-27 Generates Immunosuppressive CD4 T Cells and Prevents the Development of Alopecia Areata

    July 2025 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”
    S.J. Connell, P. Kahl, Zhaowen Zhu, S. Crotts, Maddison Lensing, O. Ayush, C.E. Dix, X. Bai, A. Jabbari
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    Studysummary IL-27 may help prevent hair loss by creating immune-suppressing cells.
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    The study investigates the role of IL-27 in preventing alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease causing hair loss. Using a skin-graft induction model in mice, researchers found that treatment with an adeno-associated virus expressing IL-27 (AAV-IL27) protected against AA development. This protection was associated with an increase in IL-10 producing FoxP3-CD4+ T cells and a decrease in CD127 expression in CD8 T cells, suggesting enhanced immunosuppression and reduced CD8 T cell responsiveness. These findings indicate that IL-27 may offer a new therapeutic approach for AA, though further research is needed to understand its mechanisms and potential as a treatment.
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