Cellular and molecular composition of human skin in long-term xenografts on SCID mice.
We report on the immunophenotypical characterization of adult human skin transplanted onto severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Thirty animals were followed for up to 12 months after receiving split-thickness xenografts, of which 28 were tolerated for the whole test period. Antigen mapping revealed an almost complete preservation of human cellular and extracellular tissue components in long-term transplants including skin immune cells (Langerhans-cells, macrophages, lymphocytes) and also parts of the engrafted endothelium. Hence, xenografts on SCID mice offer a versatile experimental tool for the in vivo study of both human skin immune cell function and endothelial cell-mediated interactions in an environment completely devoid of interferences by adoptive host immune response.
Kaufmann
R
R
Department of Dermatology, University of Ulm, Germany.
Mielke
V
V
Reimann
J
J
Klein
C E
CE
Sterry
W
W
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D016513:Mice, SCID / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016511:Severe Combined Immunodeficiency / Q000276:immunology*; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
D015415:Biomarkers; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D006680:HLA Antigens