Fgf9 from dermal γδ T cells induces hair follicle neogenesis after wounding

Nat Med. 2013 Jul;19(7):916-23. doi: 10.1038/nm.3181. Epub 2013 Jun 2.

Abstract

Understanding molecular mechanisms for regeneration of hair follicles provides new opportunities for developing treatments for hair loss and other skin disorders. Here we show that fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), initially secreted by γδ T cells, modulates hair follicle regeneration after wounding the skin of adult mice. Reducing Fgf9 expression decreases this wound-induced hair neogenesis (WIHN). Conversely, overexpression of Fgf9 results in a two- to threefold increase in the number of neogenic hair follicles. We found that Fgf9 from γδ T cells triggers Wnt expression and subsequent Wnt activation in wound fibroblasts. Through a unique feedback mechanism, activated fibroblasts then express Fgf9, thus amplifying Wnt activity throughout the wound dermis during a crucial phase of skin regeneration. Notably, humans lack a robust population of resident dermal γδ T cells, potentially explaining their inability to regenerate hair after wounding. These findings highlight the essential relationship between the immune system and tissue regeneration. The importance of Fgf9 in hair follicle regeneration suggests that it could be used therapeutically in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dermis / cytology
  • Dermis / immunology
  • Dermis / metabolism
  • Dermis / physiology
  • Feedback, Physiological / drug effects
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 / metabolism*
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 / pharmacology*
  • Hair Follicle / drug effects*
  • Hair Follicle / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Biological
  • Regeneration / drug effects
  • Regeneration / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*
  • Wound Healing / physiology

Substances

  • Fgf9 protein, mouse
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 9
  • Wnt Proteins