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.

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