The Autologous Hair Follicle And Its Secretome: A Multipotent Source For Cell-Based And Cell-Free Regenerative Therapies

This study investigates the regenerative potential of autologous hair follicles, focusing on both cellular and cell-free components. Researchers collected hair follicles from 28 participants and isolated keratinocytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) without enzymatic dissociation, preserving their native characteristics. These cells demonstrated multilineage differentiation capabilities, including reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiating into various lineages. The hair follicle secretome (aHFS), rich in regenerative cytokines and growth factors, significantly enhanced wound healing in vitro. The study suggests that cryopreservation of plucked hair follicles could provide a practical strategy for personalized regenerative medicine, although further research is needed to understand the variability in secretome profiles across different donors.