A large preclinical animal model to assess ex vivo skin gene therapy applications

Generation of a genetically engineered porcine melanoma model featuring oncogenic control through conditional Cre recombination

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes. Rodent melanoma models have provided valuable insights into melanoma pathology; however, they often lack applicability to humans owing to genetic, anatomical, physiological, and metabolic differences. Herein, we developed a transgenic porcine melanoma model that closely resembles humans via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Our model features the conditional oncogenes cassettes, TP53R167H and human BRAFV600E, controlled by melanocyte-specific CreER recombinase. After SCNT, transgenic embryos developed normally, with the capacity to develop porcine embryonic stem cells. Seven transgenic piglets with oncogene cassettes were born through embryo transfer. We demonstrated that Cre recombination-mediated oncogene activation remarkably triggered the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in vitro. Notably, intradermal injection of 4-hydroxytamoxifen activated oncogene cassettes in vivo, resulting in melanocytic lesions resembling hyperpigmented nevi with increased proliferative properties similar to early human melanomas. This melanoma-inducing system, heritably transmitted to offspring, supports large-scale studies. The novel porcine model provides a valuable tool for elucidating melanoma development and metastasis mechanism, advancing translational medicine, and facilitating preclinical evaluation of new anticancer drugs.

A Skin Rejection Grading System for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation in a Preclinical Large Animal Model

BACKGROUND

The Banff Criteria have been accepted as a system for grading histological rejection in graft skin in human vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Preclinical swine hindlimb transplantation models have an important role in translational studies in VCA. However, unified grading criteria for rejection in swine skin have not yet been established.

METHODS

Two hundred fourteen swine skin biopsy specimens were reviewed, including 88 native skin biopsies and 126 specimens from the skin component of heterotopic swine hindlimb transplants. Thorough review was performed in a blinded fashion by an expert veterinary pathologist with attention paid to the applicability of the Banff criteria as well as specific histologic characteristics and trends. Clinical and histopathologic rejection scores were then directly compared.

RESULTS

Two hundred fourteen specimens reviewed showed significant similarities between swine and human skin, as previously published. Notable swine-specific characteristics, including paucicellular infiltration with rare epidermal cell infiltration or necrosis, were accounted for in a proposed grading system that parallels the Banff Criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive grading system, based on the Banff Classification for skin rejection in VCA, provides a standardized system for more accurate comparison of rejection in preclinical swine VCA models.

The immunology of the porcine skin and its value as a model for human skin

The porcine skin has striking similarities to the human skin in terms of general structure, thickness, hair follicle content, pigmentation, collagen and lipid composition. This has been the basis for numerous studies using the pig as a model for wound healing, transdermal delivery, dermal toxicology, radiation and UVB effects. Considering that the skin also represents an immune organ of utmost importance for health, immune cells present in the skin of the pig will be reviewed. The focus of this review is on dendritic cells, which play a central role in the skin immune system as they serve as sentinels in the skin, which offers a large surface area exposed to the environment. Based on a literature review and original data we propose a classification of porcine dendritic cell subsets in the skin corresponding to the subsets described in the human skin. The equivalent of the human CD141(+) DC subset is CD1a(-)CD4(-)CD172a(-)CADM1(high), that of the CD1c(+) subset is CD1a(+)CD4(-)CD172a(+)CADM1(+/low), and porcine plasmacytoid dendritic cells are CD1a(-)CD4(+)CD172a(+)CADM1(-). CD209 and CD14 could represent markers of inflammatory monocyte-derived cells, either dendritic cells or macrophages. Future studies for example using transriptomic analysis of sorted populations are required to confirm the identity of these cells.

Wound contraction is significantly reduced by the use of microcarriers to deliver keratinocytes and fibroblasts in an in vivo pig model of wound repair and regeneration

In full-thickness injuries caused by extensive burns or penetrating traumatic injuries, the natural epidermal stem cell niche is destroyed, and wound healing occurs through migration of cells from the wound edges and wound contraction. This can lead to significant contracture formation, especially in large full-thickness injuries, causing lack of mobility and pain. Contraction is reduced when wounds are treated using split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) or dermal substitutes, particularly in combination with cultured autologous keratinocytes, delivered as confluent sheets or sprayed as a single cell suspension (SAK). Here, we show that the application of keratinocytes alone or keratinocytes with fibroblasts, delivered on microcarriers, in combination with STSG or a dermal substitute, significantly reduces contraction of wounds in vivo in a porcine model of wound repair and regeneration. A decrease in alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts, the cell type responsible for wound contraction, accompanies the reduction in contraction. These findings demonstrate the potential for a significant clinical advantage in the treatment of full-thickness injuries.

Determination of the depth of excision using a dermatome (Aesculap) to export all hair follicle bulbs from a donor site in the dog

The aim of the study was to determine the depth of excision using a dermatome to excise all hair follicle bulbs from the donor site. Partial-thickness skin samples of different depth, ranging from 0.4 to 1 mm, were excised using a dermatome (Aesculap) from the dorsal aspect of the trunk of the dog. Biopsies, using a 6-mm biopsy punch, were performed in the centre of each donor site and excised sample. They were processed routinely for histological examination and the aspect of the hair follicles was observed. Split-thickness skin grafts of >or=0.7 mm deep performed with a dermatome contain the entire hair follicle.