Open AccessEngineering human skin model innervated with itch sensory neuron‐like cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells
Author(s) -
Guo Zongyou,
Tong ChiKun,
Jacków Joanna,
Doucet Yanne S.,
Abaci Hasan E.,
Zeng Wangyong,
Hansen Corey,
Hayashi Ryota,
DeLorenzo Dominick,
Rami Avina,
Pappalardo Alberto,
Lumpkin Ellen A.,
Christiano Angela M.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
bioengineering and translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2380-6761
DOI - 10.1002/btm2.10247
Subject(s) - induced pluripotent stem cell , atopic dermatitis , sensory system , neuroscience , medicine , human skin , human induced pluripotent stem cells , immune system , immunology , biology , embryonic stem cell , gene , biochemistry , genetics
Atopic dermatitis (AD), driven by interleukins (IL‐4/IL‐13), is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intensive pruritus. However, it is unclear how immune signaling and sensory response pathways cross talk with each other. We differentiated itch sensory neuron‐like cells (ISNLCs) from iPSC lines. These ISNLCs displayed neural markers and action potentials and responded specifically to itch‐specific stimuli. These ISNLCs expressed receptors specific for IL‐4/IL‐13 and were activated directly by the two cytokines. We successfully innervated these ISNLCs into full thickness human skin constructs. These innervated skin grafts can be used in clinical applications such as wound healing. Moreover, the availability of such innervated skin models will be valuable to develop drugs to treat skin diseases such as AD.