Single Cell RNA and TCR Sequencing Reveals Hyperexpansion of T Cell Clones and Novel Regulatory Mechanisms of CD8+ T Cells in Murine Alopecia Areata Skin and Draining Lymph Nodes

This study investigates the mechanisms of alopecia areata (AA) using single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing in C3H/HeJ mice. The research identifies a significant expansion of CD8+ T cell clones in both the skin and lymph nodes of mice with AA, revealing distinct transcriptomic signatures. The study highlights the upregulation of transcription factors Irf4 and Bptf, alongside the JAK/STAT pathway, in CD8+ T cells. Additionally, cell communication analysis identifies interactions involving Mif, Fasl, and Ccl5 between CD8+ T cells and other immune cells. These findings suggest potential new therapeutic targets for AA, especially for patients who do not respond to JAK inhibitors.