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A Novel 3D Skin Explant Model to Study Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
Grazieli Maboni1, Rebecca Davenport1, Kate Sessford1
1School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|September 30, 2017
Summary
A novel 3D skin model using ovine explants effectively simulates anaerobic footrot infections caused by *Dichelobacter nodosus*. This model allows researchers to study bacterial invasion and host immune responses, advancing research on this significant animal welfare issue.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Science
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Skin infection research faces limitations with traditional cell cultures.
- 3D skin models offer a more functional alternative, mimicking host tissue structure and cell types.
- Existing 3D models primarily address aerobic pathogens, leaving a gap for anaerobic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel 3D *ex vivo* skin model for studying anaerobic bacterial infections.
- To investigate the infection mechanism and host immune response of *Dichelobacter nodosus* in ovine interdigital skin.
- To establish a cost-effective and ethical alternative to animal experimentation for footrot research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ovine skin explants to create a 3D *ex vivo* model.
- Infected explants with *Dichelobacter nodosus*, the causative agent of ovine footrot.
- Assessed bacterial invasion via qPCR and Fluorescent *in situ* Hybridization.
- Quantified inflammatory markers (IL1β, CXCL8) in culture media.
- Evaluated explant viability through histopathology and DNA fragmentation.
Main Results:
- The 3D skin model demonstrated *D. nodosus* invasion into the ovine skin explants.
- Explant viability was maintained for up to 28 hours, suitable for short-term studies.
- Quantifiable release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1β was observed in response to bacterial infection.
- CXCL8 levels did not significantly differ between infected and mock-infected explants.
- The model successfully simulated ovine interdigital skin and the early inflammatory response.
Conclusions:
- A novel 3D *ex vivo* skin model was successfully established for studying anaerobic bacterial infections, specifically ovine footrot.
- This model provides a realistic platform for investigating *Dichelobacter nodosus* pathogenesis and host interactions.
- The findings highlight the model's utility in understanding inflammatory responses to anaerobic pathogens in a relevant skin environment.
