IL-15 Prolongs Anagen, Stimulates Proliferation, and Suppresses Apoptosis in the Hair Matrix of Human Scalp Hair Follicles

August 2023 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Takahiro Suzuki, FERNANDA DINELLI SCALA, Dana‐Lee Demetrius, Jennifer Gherardini, Jose Rodriguez-Feliz, Gorana Kuka-Epstein, Jérémy Chéret, Ralf Paus

IL-15 anagen phase hair matrix cytokines hair follicle cycling apoptosis cell proliferation

TLDR IL-15 helps hair grow longer and stronger by extending the growth phase and reducing cell death.

This study examines the effects of recombinant human IL-15 on human scalp hair follicles, revealing that IL-15 significantly prolongs the anagen phase, stimulates proliferation, and suppresses apoptosis in the hair matrix. Conducted on 39-44 hair follicles from five donors, the treatment increased IGF-1 expression and decreased TGFβ2 expression, suggesting IL-15 promotes hair growth by modulating these growth factors. The findings question the use of JAK3 inhibitors in treating hair loss disorders like alopecia areata, as they may counteract IL-15's hair growth-promoting effects. Further research is needed to confirm these results in vivo and explore IL-15Rβ/γ agonists as potential hair growth stimulants.

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