Erythrocyte Extracellular Vesicles Integrate into Hair and Skin to Maintain Homeostasis

May 2025 in “ Journal of Extracellular Vesicles ”

Z. C. Cao, Peiyi Li, Manjin Zhang, Simin Cai, Na Li, Minmin Luo, Yinghui Li, Haolin Wu, Xueli Mao, Ruibao Ren, Hongju Xie, Songtao Shi

erythrocyte extracellular vesicles hair homeostasis skin homeostasis haemoglobin ABO antigens keratin hair regeneration Wnt/β-catenin signaling dermal papilla cells autologous erythrocyte EVs androgenic alopecia skin barrier AGA

TLDR Erythrocyte extracellular vesicles help hair growth and skin health.

This study reveals a novel role of erythrocyte extracellular vesicles (EVs) in hair and skin homeostasis, demonstrating that these vesicles can transfer haemoglobin, ABO antigens, and keratin into hair, promoting hair regeneration through the upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in dermal papilla cells. The research highlights that local injection of autologous erythrocyte EVs can improve hair growth in patients with androgenic alopecia (AGA). Additionally, erythrocyte EVs contribute to the formation of the skin's outer barrier, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for hair regeneration in AGA patients.

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