Selective Elimination of NG2-Expressing Hair Follicle Stem Cells Exacerbates the Sensitization Phase of Contact Dermatitis in a Transgenic Rat Model

The study explored the role of NG2-expressing hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in contact dermatitis using a transgenic rat model. Researchers selectively eliminated NG2+ HFSCs during the anagen phase, which worsened the sensitization phase of contact dermatitis when exposed to allergens like DNFB. This exacerbation was linked to increased expression of CD4 and CD8 T-cell genes, suggesting that NG2+ HFSCs had immunosuppressive abilities that protected against severe dermatitis symptoms. The study involved 15 rats for GCV treatment and 10 for vehicle treatment, indicating the potential immunomodulatory role of NG2+ HFSCs in skin immunity.