Immunopathogenesis of Primary Cicatricial Alopecia

December 2013 in “ Research Portal (King's College London) ”

Omima Eruk

primary cicatricial alopecia lichen planopilaris scarring hair loss immune privilege epithelial stem cells degranulated mast cells resident macrophages epithelial-mesenchymal transition PCA LPP scarring alopecia immune system stem cells mast cells macrophages EMT

TLDR Hair loss in Lichen Planopilaris is caused by immune system issues damaging hair follicles and stem cells.

The study investigated the immunopathogenesis of Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) characterized by scarring hair loss. It found that the collapse of immune privilege in hair follicles led to irreversible damage to epithelial stem cells, preventing hair regeneration. The research identified increased degranulated mast cells and reduced resident macrophages in LPP hair follicles, suggesting their roles in the disease. Additionally, evidence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the epithelial stem cell zone was observed, contributing to scarring. These findings aimed to enhance understanding and management of PCA, although no causal therapy was available at the time.

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