Cross-Species Insights Into Hair Follicle-T Cell Interactions in Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A Comparison of Human, Canine and Mouse Models Using Spatial Transcriptomics
July 2025
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
discoid lupus erythematosus scarring hair loss spatial transcriptomics perifollicular T cell enrichment CXCR3 ligands interferon-response genes fibrotic markers immune activation extracellular matrix remodeling CD8+ T cells stem cell depletion fibrosis interferon signaling complement activation CFD S100A8/9 DLE scarring alopecia immune system activation interferon pathway complement system CFD protein S100 proteins
TLDR Discoid lupus erythematosus involves immune activation and fibrosis around hair follicles, with shared pathways across humans, dogs, and mice, suggesting potential treatments for both humans and animals.
This study investigates the mechanisms of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), a type of scarring hair loss, by comparing human, canine, and mouse models using spatial transcriptomics. In humans, DLE is characterized by perifollicular T cell enrichment and increased expression of CXCR3 ligands, interferon-response genes, and fibrotic markers, indicating immune activation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Canine DLE shows similar immune cell infiltration and gene expression changes, supporting its use as a model for human disease. In mice, CD8+ T cells near hair follicles lead to stem cell depletion and fibrosis. Across species, shared pathways like interferon signaling and complement activation were identified, with potential therapeutic targets such as CFD and S100A8/9. These findings suggest cross-species therapeutic trials could benefit both human and veterinary medicine.
