Carcinogenesis of the Human Scalp: An Immunometabolic Centered View

The document examines the immunometabolic factors involved in scalp carcinogenesis, focusing on the protective role of hair and genetic mutations in skin cancer development. Hair presence on the scalp influences immune responses, with IL-17 providing protection against nonmelanoma skin cancers, while mutations in genes like p53 and IRF4 affect cancer progression. Hair loss, such as in androgenetic alopecia, may reduce immune protection against UV-induced carcinogenesis. The study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between hair, genetics, and immune responses, suggesting that maintaining hair through interventions like Sirt3 activators could prevent scalp cancer. Additionally, the scalp microbiome, particularly Malassezia species, may contribute to cancer development, indicating antifungal treatments as potential preventive measures. The document underscores the need for additional sun protection for the scalp, as hair alone is insufficient to prevent UV-induced mutations.