Immune Microenvironment of Hair Follicles in Tumor Immunotherapy

February 2026 in “ ImmunoTargets and Therapy ”

Bo Li, Wenxia Li, Fan Yang, Min Tang, Haozhen Lv, Lei Li, Jianmin Chang

alopecia immune checkpoint inhibitors T cells pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization inflammatory cytokines follicular toxicity topical corticosteroids immunomodulatory agents hair loss immune system blockers steroids immune system modulators

Studysummary This study found that tumor immunotherapy, while effective against solid tumors, can disrupt the immune balance in hair follicles, causing follicular toxicity and alopecia, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to manage these adverse effects.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Tumor immunotherapy, while effective against solid tumors, often disrupts the immune microenvironment of hair follicles, leading to adverse effects like alopecia. This disruption is caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors that activate T cells, promote pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization, and upregulate inflammatory cytokines, resulting in follicular toxicity. Current management primarily involves topical corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate these side effects.

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