Identification of Biomarkers in Affected Hair Follicles from Chronic Discoid Lupus Erythematosus by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis

The study investigates gene expression in hair follicles affected by chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE) using bioinformatics methods. By analyzing data from 4 healthy and 7 CDLE-affected hair follicles, and validating with 13 healthy and 47 CDLE-affected scalp samples, the researchers identified key genes through differential expression and WGCNA. These genes, associated with type I interferon response and RIG-1 and IL-17 signaling pathways, were significantly upregulated in both hair follicles and skin tissues. The study also suggests the involvement of follicular helper T cells (Tfhs) in the disease process.