Mimicking the in vivo skin barrier function in human skin equivalents
LACDR-CHDR-ErasmusMC-TNO
Generate a novel reproducible human skin equivalent (HSE) by mimicking all features for atopic dermatitis skin as closely as possible by establishing optimal culture conditions
By using invitro HSEs, that recapitulate in vivo barrier properties, dermatological compounds and formulation failures due to mistargeting, inadequate compound permeation and bioavailability by the intended route of administration, failure of efficient distribution to the cellular site of action in the skin can be tackled, thereby eliminating false-positives early stage. As such, there is a need for the development of more relevant three-dimensional cell culture models that allow for specific integration of a fully functional human skin barrier.
The optimized human skin models that mimic the in-vivo barrier properties will contribute to the reduction and where possible replacement of animal testing used in the cosmetic, chemical and pharmaceutical industry and scientific research institutes. In parallel these models will help us to gain more insight into the mechanisms in the barrier lipid synthesis.
