Morphometric Prediction of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Like Immunosuppressive Capacity of Human Hair Follicle Dermal Sheath Cup Cells: An Implication for Regenerative Medicine in Hair Loss Diseases

This study examines the potential of dermal sheath cup cells (DSCCs) from human hair follicles in regenerative medicine for hair loss diseases. DSCCs meet the criteria for mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and show immunosuppressive capabilities similar to bone marrow and adipose-derived MSCs. They suppress T cell proliferation and promote regulatory T cell induction, with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) playing a key role. The study introduces a noninvasive morphometric analysis to predict DSCCs' immunosuppressive capacity, suggesting their use in treating inflammatory hair loss conditions by modulating immune responses and potentially differentiating into hair follicle-related cells. This approach could be particularly beneficial for female pattern hair loss, where microinflammation is significant.