A skin patch could help restore hair growth in people battling bald spots caused by an autoimmune disorder It delivers specialized cells directly to balding spots in patients with alopecia areata The patch is not yet available and may also have applications for treatment of other autoimmune disorders MONDAY, June 10, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have developed a novel way to promote hair growth in people who have the autoimmune disease alopecia areata. It's a skin patch that delivers immune-system controllers through an array of tiny needles. In alopecia, the body's own T-cells mistakenly attack hair follicles.
The experimental treatment strategy uses a patch to deliver specialized cells called T-cell regulators, or Tregs for short, directly to balding spots. The aim is to thwart the unwanted immune system attack and halt hair loss. Current immunosuppressants used to treat alopecia target both T-cells as well as the Tregs.
"Our patches enable local delivery of biologics, which, instead of suppressing the immune system, promote regulatory T-cells in the skin," explained co-corresponding author Natalie Artzi , a researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "This restores immune balance and resolves the T-cell attack on hair follicles, offering a potential long-term solution without compromising the immune system's ability to defend against infections and malignancies." In autoimmune conditions like alopecia, Tregs fall short in protecting hair follicles.
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