Regulatory T Cells in Skin Mediate Immune Privilege of the Hair Follicle Stem Cell Niche

The study investigates the role of regulatory T cells in maintaining immune privilege within the hair follicle stem cell niche, a non-lymphoid organ. The researchers developed a technique to specifically target genetic recombination in regulatory T cells, aiming to understand their function in self-tolerance outside of traditional lymphoid organs. The findings suggest that regulatory T cells play a crucial role in mediating immune privilege in the skin, which is essential for the protection and function of hair follicle stem cells. This research provides insights into the mechanisms of immune tolerance in non-lymphoid tissues, with potential implications for understanding hair loss and related conditions.