Increased Proliferation of Epidermal Gamma Delta T Cells and Expression of the Transmembrane Protein, BST2, in Alopecia Areata

The study investigates the role of resident epidermal γδ T cells in alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss. Researchers found that the transmembrane protein BST2 is expressed by these T cells before hair loss occurs. Using the C3H mouse model, they observed increased BST2 expression in unaffected skin of mice with active alopecia areata, suggesting it may precede the loss of hair follicle immune privilege. Additionally, the number of epidermal γδ T cells increased in affected skin. These findings indicate that changes in BST2 expression and γδ T cell numbers could impact the disease's progression.