T_H1 effector CD4 T cells rely on IFN-γ production to induce alopecia areata.

ABSTRACT: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease defined by hair loss and peribulbar infiltrate of CD8 and CD4 T cells. Prior studies have focused on the role of CD8 T cells in the development of AA. Multiple roles for CD4 T cell help have been demonstrated for support of CD8 T cell responses; however, the role of CD4 T cells in AA remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that CD4 T cells from the skin-draining lymph nodes (SDLNs) of AA mice transferred disease to recipient mice. These cells exhibited a T helper type 1 (T_H1) effector transcriptional and phenotypic profile, and their pathogenic activity required endogenous CD8 T cells and host IFN-γ responsiveness. Targeted deletion of CD4 T cell-mediated production of IFN-γ abrogated the ability of this cell population to transfer dis

SUBMITTER: Connell SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12577704 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature