1338 Epidermal growth factor receptor protects from immune privilege collapse and scarring hair follicle destruction

Hair loss is a common adverse event of long-term epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-inhibitor anti-cancer treatment. This severe cutaneous side effect often leads to dose reduction or cessation the otherwise successful targeted therapy. Additionally, hair an important part one’s identity, and losing it can lead social isolation low quality life. Mouse models follicle-specific deletion EGFR recapitulate alopecia during chronic inflammation. We used fluorescence-activated cell sorting together with RNA sequencing stem cells before identify their transcriptional profile reveal mechanistic details behavior amidst inflammatory environment. found hyper-proliferative burst finally, apoptosis leading complete bulge fibrotic scarring alopecia. Interestingly, upregulation antigen presentation machinery activated pathways indicate collapse immune privilege. now aim cellular molecular immune-regulatory mechanisms Individual therapeutic candidates are tested for pre-clinical efficacy in our mouse model facilitate straightforward translational therapies patients receiving inhibitors potentially other types cicatricial like Folliculitis decalvans. In summary, we could implicate as protector follicle quiescence privilege tissue destruction.