Identification of Distinct Immune Signatures and Chemokine Networks in Scalp Inflammatory Diseases
June 2023
in “
Research Square (Research Square)
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alopecia areata cutaneous lupus erythematosus psoriasis T cell chemotaxis interferon-β intestinal immune network for IgA production cell adhesion molecules natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity complement and coagulation cascades CD8+ T cells NK cells mast cells CD4+ cells Th17/Th1 profile CCL4 CCR5+ Foxp3+ cells hair follicles inflammatory alopecia AA CLE T cell movement interferon-beta IgA production cell adhesion NK cell cytotoxicity complement and coagulation CD8 T cells CD4 T cells Th17/Th1 CCR5 Foxp3 cells inflammatory hair loss
TLDR Different immune responses cause hair loss in scalp diseases, with unique patterns in scalp psoriasis possibly protecting against hair loss.
The study investigated the immune mechanisms behind hair loss in alopecia areata (AA), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), and psoriasis, which are scalp diseases with varying effects on hair. By analyzing microarray datasets, the researchers found common gene expression changes related to T cell chemotaxis and interferon-β response across these diseases. Specifically, four functional changes were associated with alopecia: intestinal immune network for IgA production, cell adhesion molecules, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and complement and coagulation cascades. Immune infiltration analysis showed increased CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and mast cells in AA and CLE, while CD4+ cells were predominant in scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis also had a unique Th17/Th1 profile, higher CCL4 levels, and more CCR5+ Foxp3+ cells around hair follicles. The study concluded that these immune pathways and cell types are involved in hair loss, and the distinct immune profile in scalp psoriasis may help preserve hair, offering insights for developing treatments for inflammatory alopecia.
