Development of a bioengineered skin-humanized mouse model for psoriasis: dissecting epidermal-lymphocyte interacting...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Dermatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Existing xenotransplantation models for psoriasis face limitations due to donor availability and homogeneity.
• There is a need for robust, reproducible models to study psoriasis pathogenesis and evaluate treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bioengineered human skin-humanized mouse model for psoriasis.
• To establish a platform for investigating the interplay between skin cells and the immune system in psoriasis.
• To enable preclinical testing of psoriasis therapies and prediction of patient responses.

Main Methods:

• Bioengineered human skin grafts were engrafted onto mice.
• Immunological reconstitution was achieved via intradermal injection of T1 subpopulations and Th17 cytokines (IL-17, IL-22).
• Stratum corneum barrier was mildly abraded to facilitate psoriatic phenotype induction.

Main Results:

• The regenerated human skin rapidly developed a bona fide psoriatic phenotype.
• Key hallmarks of psoriasis, including epidermal changes and mesenchymal alterations (angiogenesis, infiltrate), were confirmed.
• The model demonstrated the capacity to mimic psoriasis, irrespective of autologous or allogeneic donor origins.

Conclusions:

• The bioengineered skin-based system provides a reliable platform for studying psoriasis mechanisms.
• This model is suitable for preclinical studies assessing novel therapeutic efficacy.
• The system holds potential for predicting individual patient responses to psoriasis treatments.