253 citations,
December 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The study explored how hair follicles (HFs) maintain immune privilege (IP) to avoid natural killer (NK) cell attacks, which typically target cells with low MHC class I expression. It was found that HFs actively suppress NK cells, with the HF epithelium expressing the NK cell inhibitor macrophage migration inhibitory factor. In healthy individuals, fewer NK function-activating receptors and more inhibitory receptors were present compared to those with alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease linked to a breakdown of HF-IP. AA patients showed increased NK cell activity around hair follicles, suggesting a defect in NK cell inhibition that contributes to the disease's pathogenesis. This defect was previously unreported and highlighted the need for considering NK cell activity in AA management.
550 citations,
December 2005 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation” Researchers successfully isolated and identified key markers of stem cell-enriched human hair follicle bulge cells.
185 citations,
August 2005 in “Autoimmunity Reviews” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles, often influenced by genetics and stress.
194 citations,
March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology” Stress stops hair growth in mice by causing early hair growth phase end and harmful inflammation through a specific nerve-related pathway.
66 citations,
October 1999 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” The Skin POMC System affects hair growth and skin responses to stress.
26 citations,
January 1994 in “McGraw-Hill eBooks” Many hair loss conditions can be treated.
21 citations,
May 1988 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The first in-prison dermatology clinic in the U.S. faced challenges and found certain skin conditions common among inmates, with rare cases of serious skin cancer.
