Skin γδ T Cell Subsets Have Distinct Functions in Alopecia Areata

November 2025 in “ The Journal of Immunology ”

E Solís, Nashea Lampkins, Natalie Canto

alopecia areata γδ T cells autoimmune disease patchy hair loss single-cell RNA sequencing dermal Vγ6Vδ1 T cells IL17a psoriasis Vγ4Vδ1 T cells CXCL10 Th1 response epidermal γδ T cells inflammation-related genes STAT1 SCA-1 Ly6a C3H/HeJ mice hair loss immune cells skin inflammation gene expression

TLDR Different γδ T cell types have unique roles in causing alopecia areata.

This study investigates the role of γδ T cells in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss. Researchers reanalyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from mouse and human skin, identifying gene upregulation in γδ T cells during the disease. Dermal Vγ6Vδ1 T cells upregulate IL17a, similar to psoriasis, while Vγ4Vδ1 T cells upregulate genes like CXCL10, suggesting they amplify the Th1 response. Epidermal γδ T cells upregulate inflammation-related genes, including STAT1 and SCA-1/Ly6a. These findings, validated in C3H/HeJ mice, highlight the distinct roles of γδ T cell subtypes in alopecia areata, with ongoing examinations in human skin.