Regulatory γδ T Cells Protect Human Scalp Hair Follicles From Alopecia Areata In Vivo
November 2023
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
TLDR γδTregs can protect hair follicles from alopecia areata and may help regrow hair.
The study investigates the role of Foxp3+ γδ regulatory T cells (γδTregs) in protecting human scalp hair follicles from alopecia areata (AA). Researchers found that γδTregs are increased in AA lesions and can prevent AA when injected into humanized AA mouse models. These cells reduced the characteristic perifollicular infiltrate and restored hair follicle immune privilege, leading to hair regrowth. In vitro, γδTregs decreased the expression of AA-associated danger signals and increased the proliferation of hair matrix keratinocytes. The findings suggest that γδTregs are crucial in protecting against AA and could be a potential cell-based therapeutic option for managing the condition.