Ex Vivo Skin/T Cell Co-culture Model Development Services

Psoriasis is characterized by dysregulated immune-epidermal interactions, where T cells play a central role in driving keratinocyte hyperproliferation, cytokine release, and barrier dysfunction. Ex vivo skin/T cell co-culture models are employed to investigate the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Unlike conventional in vitro systems, ex vivo models preserve essential skin architecture and barrier properties while incorporating disease-relevant immune responses, allowing detailed evaluation of keratinocyte hyperproliferation, abnormal differentiation, and cytokine-driven pathology.

Fig. 1 A trans-well set-up was used to co-culture ex vivo human skin and Jurkat T cells. (Zasada M and Budzisz E, 2019)

Leveraging extensive expertise in dermatological research and immunology, Ace Therapeutics offers specialized ex vivo skin/T cell co-culture model development services to study mechanisms of psoriasis and evaluate anti-psoriatic therapeutic candidates.

Ex Vivo Skin/T Cell Co-culture Model Development and Characterization Services

Ex Vivo Skin/T Cell Co-culture Model Development

Ace Therapeutics helps clients develop ex vivo skin/T cell co-culture models using human skin explants co-cultured with T cells in a trans-well configuration. Our experts pre-treat the skin surface to induce stratum corneum barrier impairment, activate PAR2-mediated inflammatory signaling, and promote free radical formation, which are hallmarks associated with psoriasis pathogenesis. Within this system, we introduce T cells and activate them with cytokines IL-17A and IL-22 to reproduce the inflammatory environment typical for psoriasis.

Ex Vivo Skin/T Cell Co-culture Model Characterization

Our team provides comprehensive characterization services to ensure robust evaluation of ex vivo skin/T cell co-culture models. We support clients with histological examinations to assess epidermal integrity and thickness, immunostaining of proliferation and differentiation markers to analyze keratinocytes, and cytokine and chemokine profiling using ELISA or multiplex assays to capture inflammatory responses. In addition, we offer gene expression analysis of signaling pathways associated with psoriasis, including the IL-23/IL-17 axis, NF-κB, and STAT3.

Applications of Ex Vivo Skin/T Cell Co-culture Models

Our company applies ex vivo skin/T cell co-culture models to support both academic research and pharmaceutical development.

Anti-Psoriatic Drug Screening

We perform screening of novel drug candidates in ex vivo skin/T cell co-culture models, enabling early identification of compounds with therapeutic potential. Our approach reduces reliance on animal models and facilitates the development of anti-psoriatic drug pipelines.

Evaluation of Anti-Psoriatic Therapeutics

We assist clients in evaluating the efficacy of small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and biologics in suppressing cytokine cascades in psoriasis, normalizing keratinocyte proliferation, and restoring epidermal homeostasis.

Mechanistic Studies of Psoriasis Pathogenesis

Using ex vivo skin/T cell co-culture models, we investigate the role of specific T cell subsets, cytokine networks, and intracellular signaling pathways in driving psoriatic inflammation and keratinocyte dysfunction. Our mechanistic studies provide critical insights for target validation and anti-psoriatic drug development.

By combining advanced immunological expertise and customizable service options, Ace Therapeutics is a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies and research institutions seeking to accelerate the discovery and development of anti-psoriatic drugs. For more information on ex vivo skin/T cell co-culture model development services or to discuss how we can support your research, please do not hesitate to contact us.