Immune cells prove essential to hair growth

Immune system cells that control inflammation play a key role in hair growth and could hold the clue to overcoming baldness, research has shown.

The regulatory T-cells, known as “Tregs”, normally ensure that other parts of the immune system do not overreact and run out of control. When they go wrong, it can result in allergies to harmless substances such as peanut protein, or serious autoimmune diseases.

Now scientists have discovered another previously unknown function of Tregs, as hair triggers. A series of mouse experiments showed Tregs in the skin send out signals that stimulate hair follicle stem cells to regenerate and spark new hair growth.

Lead scientist Dr Michael Rosenblum said: “This has been thought to be an entirely stem cell-dependent process, but it turns out Tregs are essential.”