T Helper 17 Cell/Regulatory T-Cell Imbalance in Hidradenitis Suppurativa/Acne Inversa: The Link to Hair Follicle Dissection, Obesity, Smoking, and Autoimmune Comorbidities
TLDR An imbalance between certain immune cells is linked to a chronic skin condition and may be influenced by obesity, smoking, and autoimmune issues.
The document from June 11, 2018, discusses the connection between T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the context of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)/acne inversa, a chronic skin condition characterized by the dissection of terminal hair follicles. It highlights that patients with HS/acne inversa exhibit elevated levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in their serum and an increased ratio of proinflammatory Th17 cells to anti-inflammatory Tregs in affected skin areas. This imbalance is suggested to play a role in the disintegration of hair follicle infundibula, which is a key histological feature of the disease. Additionally, the document indicates that Tregs are crucial for maintaining hair follicle stem cell homeostasis and infundibular integrity, suggesting that their dysregulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of HS/acne inversa. The document also notes that HS/acne inversa is associated with obesity, smoking, and autoimmune comorbidities, which may be linked to the Th17/Treg imbalance.
