Increased Expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 in Dermal Fibroblasts From Alopecia Areata Mice

August 2017 in “ Journal of Cellular Physiology ”

Yunyuan Li, Ruhi T. Kilani, Mohammadreza Pakyari, Gigi Leung, Layla Nabai, Aziz Ghahary

alopecia areata PD-L1 PD-L2 dermal fibroblasts CD8+ T cells type 1 pro-collagen CD90 vimentin AA

Studysummary In this study, researchers found that in mouse models of alopecia areata, the expression of immune-regulating molecules PD-L1 and PD-L2 in dermal fibroblasts is increased by activated T cells, potentially indicating a lack of negative immune control in affected skin.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study investigated the expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 in dermal fibroblasts from alopecia areata (AA) mice. It was found that AA-affected skin had a significantly higher number of PD-L1 and PD-L2 positive cells compared to non-AA skin. This increase was correlated with the presence of infiltrated T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells. The expression of these molecules was associated with biomarkers for dermal fibroblasts, such as type 1 pro-collagen, CD90, and vimentin. The study concluded that activated T cells in AA-affected skin up-regulated PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression in dermal fibroblasts, suggesting these molecules may not effectively control immune activation in AA lesions.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

5 / 5 results

research The Role of Lymphocytes in the Development and Treatment of Alopecia Areata

60 citations , September 2015 in “Expert Review of Clinical Immunology”

This study suggests that CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes play a crucial role in the development of alopecia areata, based on observations in rodent models that mimic human autoimmune disease.

research Alopecia Areata Is Driven by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Is Reversed by JAK Inhibition

701 citations , August 2014 in “Nature medicine”

This study found that JAK inhibitors promote hair regrowth in both mice and human alopecia areata cases by blocking key immune pathways involved in disease development.

research Hair Follicle Mesenchyme-Associated PD-L1 Regulates T-Cell Activation Induced Apoptosis: A Potential Mechanism of Immune Privilege

53 citations , September 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study suggests that cultured hair follicle dermal sheath cup cells exhibit immune privilege properties, partly through the expression of PD-L1, which impacts co-cultured immune cells' behavior.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the clinical presentation and histopathologic features of alopecia areata and proposes a hypothesis for its development, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Controlled Delivery of T-box21 Small Interfering RNA Ameliorates Autoimmune Alopecia in a C3H/HeJ Mouse Model

69 citations , February 2008 in “The American journal of pathology”

This study found that local injections of interleukin-4 and neutralizing anti-interferon-γ antibody effectively treated alopecia in a mouse model, suggesting potential therapeutic pathways for human alopecia areata.