The potential of regulatory T cell-based therapies for alopecia areata
Sheng Wan, Wen Xu, Bo Xie, Cuiping Guan, Xiuzu Song
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte has been a concern for the etiopathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA), some recent evidence suggests that the regulatory T (T reg ) cell deficiency is also a contributing factor. In the lesional scalp of AA, T reg cells residing in the follicles are impaired, leading to dysregulated local immunity and hair follicle (HF) regeneration disorders. New strategies are emerging to modulate T reg cells’ number and function for autoimmune diseases. There is much interest to boost T reg cells in AA patients to suppress the abnormal autoimmunity of HF and stimulate hair regeneration. With few satisfactory therapeutic regimens available for AA, T reg cell-based therapies could be the way forward. Specifically, CAR-T reg cells and novel formulations of low-dose IL-2 are the alternatives.