Immunology of the Human Nail Apparatus: The Nail Matrix Is a Site of Relative Immune Privilege

October 2005 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Taisuke Ito, Natsuho Ito, Matthias Saathoff, Barbara Stampachiacchiere, Albrecht Bettermann, Sylvia Bulfone-Paus, Masahiro Takigawa, Brian J. Nickoloff, Ralf Paus

immune privilege nail matrix hair follicle MHC class I molecules TGF-β1 α-MSH antigen-presenting capacity alopecia areata transforming growth factor beta 1 alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone

TLDR The nail matrix has a reduced immune response, protecting it from autoimmunity.

The study investigated the immune characteristics of the human nail matrix, identifying it as a site of relative immune privilege, similar to the hair follicle. This was evidenced by the downregulation of MHC class I molecules and the presence of immunosuppressants like TGF-β1 and α-MSH, which may protect against immune attacks. The nail matrix showed reduced antigen-presenting capacity and fewer immune cells, potentially hindering defense against infections but protecting against autoimmunity. The study involved tissue specimens from 3 healthy male infants and suggested that this immune privilege could be relevant in conditions like alopecia areata, which affect both hair and nails.

View this study on jidonline.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

The Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Follicular Dermal Papillae Correlates with Therapeutic Efficacy of Finasteride in Androgenetic Alopecia

research The Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Follicular Dermal Papillae Correlates with Therapeutic Efficacy of Finasteride in Androgenetic Alopecia

49 citations, August 2003 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Higher IGF-1 levels in hair follicles link to better finasteride results for hair loss.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 212 results

community This guy is 113 and has more hair than most people on here.

in Satire 981 upvotes 3 years ago

A 113 year old man who has more hair than most people, and the conversation is discussing potential genetic factors that may be responsible for this. Possible treatments such as dermarolling and minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841 are mentioned.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community I bought a microscope, how does my scalp/hairs look? I've been suffering diffuse thinning and hair loss after covid and never recovered (2 yrs ago) I eat healthy, in shape and workout.

in Progress Pictures 86 upvotes 8 months ago

A person with hair loss since COVID-19 is considering treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but is hesitant due to potential side effects. Suggestions include visiting a dermatologist, using a ketoconazole shampoo, and considering that post-COVID hair loss might be an autoimmune response.

community No motivation to workout because I’ll be bald no matter what

in Chat 78 upvotes 1 month ago

The conversation is about hair loss affecting motivation to work out. The original poster is using dutasteride and minoxidil and is considering a hair transplant.

community ~3 year update on my singular DHT immune hair for you guys

in Update 21 upvotes 1 year ago

The post is an update on the user's hair loss journey. They have a strong hair follicle that has remained unaffected by hair loss for almost 3 years. The user is starting finasteride and using ketoconazole, alfatradiol, and oral castor oil for hair maintenance.

community Prolactin’s role in antitumor activity of the immune system – a safety concern for HMI-115?

in Research/Science 3 upvotes 1 year ago

Hair loss discussion includes treatments Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841. Prolactin's role in immune system's antitumor activity raises safety concerns for HMI-115.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research The Human Hair: From Anatomy to Physiology

107 citations, December 2013 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

The document concludes that hair is complex, with a detailed growth cycle, structure, and clinical importance, affecting various scientific and medical fields.

research Hair Follicle Immune Privilege and Its Collapse in Alopecia Areata

134 citations, July 2020 in “Experimental dermatology”

Hair follicles are normally protected from the immune system, but when this protection fails, it can cause hair loss in alopecia areata.

research Hair Follicle Stem Cells: Walking the Maze

165 citations, June 2007 in “European Journal of Cell Biology”

Hair follicle stem cells are key for hair and skin regeneration, can be reprogrammed, and have potential therapeutic uses, but also carry a risk of cancer.

research Lymphocytes, Neuropeptides, And Genes Involved In Alopecia Areata

286 citations, August 2007 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where T cells attack hair follicles.

research Alopecia Areata: A Review of Disease Pathogenesis

191 citations, May 2018 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata is likely an autoimmune disease with unclear triggers, involving various immune cells and molecules, and currently has no cure.