The Role of Somatostatin Expression in Hair Follicle Immune Privilege

The study explored the concept of immune privilege (IP) in hair follicles (HFs), particularly focusing on the role of somatostatin (SST) expression. It was found that SST was significantly upregulated in the hair follicle sheath and bulb, suggesting its contribution to IP. The research demonstrated that HF cells could suppress IFN-gamma secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) more effectively than epidermal cells. Additionally, the use of a SST antagonist interfered with the immunosuppressive effects of HF sheath cells. These findings supported the potential of SST as a treatment for scarring alopecia and other inflammatory hair loss disorders, indicating that HF bulb or sheath cells might be beneficial in allogeneic transplantation.