Imiquimod-Induced Ex Vivo Psoriasis Model Development Services

Imiquimod (IMQ) is a toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) agonist that induces strong psoriatic inflammation by activating innate immune pathways and stimulating the release of cytokines, including IL-23, IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. When applied to human skin explants, imiquimod disrupts epidermal homeostasis, initiating keratinocyte hyperproliferation, altered differentiation, and immune cell infiltration-like responses that closely mimic human psoriasis. The imiquimod-induced ex vivo psoriasis models provide a powerful, ethically sustainable alternative to animal testing, offering translational insights while preserving the three-dimensional architecture and barrier properties of human skin.

Ace Therapeutics provides imiquimod-induced ex vivo psoriasis model development services to support pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers in accelerating the discovery and development of anti-psoriatic drugs.

Imiquimod-Induced Ex Vivo Psoriasis Model Development and Characterization Services

Imiquimod-Induced Ex Vivo Psoriasis Model Development

At Ace Therapeutics, we support clients in the development of imiquimod-induced ex vivo psoriasis models using full-thickness human skin explants. Our experts culture skin samples in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with fetal bovine serum, penicillin, and streptomycin. After an initial equilibration period, we topically treat the skin explants with imiquimod cream for multiple consecutive days to induce hallmark psoriatic features. Control groups are treated with a neutral vehicle formulation or left untreated under identical culture conditions.

Imiquimod-Induced Ex Vivo Psoriasis Model Characterization

• Histological and immunohistochemical assessment services. We provide hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of imiquimod-induced ex vivo psoriasis models to evaluate epidermal changes such as hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and acanthosis. We also provide immunostaining for markers such as Ki-67, K16, involucrin, and filaggrin.
• Cytokine and chemokine profiling services. Using ELISA and multiplex assays, we help clients quantify psoriasis-related cytokines and chemokines in imiquimod-induced ex vivo psoriasis models. Key readouts include IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, and TNF-α, along with chemokines such as CCL20 and CXCL8, which serve as essential indicators of inflammatory signaling.
• Molecular pathway analysis services. We provide gene expression profiling of signaling pathways involved in psoriasis, including the IL-23/IL-17 axis, NF-κB, and STAT3, enabling clients to evaluate pathway activation.

Applications of Imiquimod-Induced Ex Vivo Psoriasis Models

Our company provides imiquimod-induced ex vivo psoriasis models that enable clients to study mechanisms of psoriasis, evaluate drug efficacy, and develop novel anti-psoriatic drugs.

Biomarker Discovery and Validation

By integrating histological evaluation, cytokine profiling, and gene expression analysis, we provide imiquimod-induced ex vivo psoriasis models to support clients in identifying and validating biomarkers in psoriasis. These biomarkers serve as critical indicators of therapeutic response, supporting the development of anti-psoriatic drugs.

Anti-Psoriatic Drug Discovery and Development

We offer imiquimod-induced ex vivo models to help clients evaluate whether small molecules, biologics, and topical formulations effectively suppress keratinocyte hyperproliferation, restore normal differentiation, and reduce cytokine-driven inflammation. We also use these models to analyze whether anti-psoriatic drugs modulate key immunological pathways, including the IL-23/IL-17 axis, TNF-α signaling, and JAK-STAT cascade.

Ace Therapeutics specializes in psoriasis models to drive innovation in psoriasis research and therapeutic development. For more information on imiquimod-induced ex vivo psoriasis model development services or to discuss how we can support your research, please do not hesitate to contact us .