Methods Validation Assessment for Study of Inflammatory Skin Disease

The use of fixed tissue specimens for research studies is attractive, because a large number
of relevant specimens can be collected quickly from tissue registry. There is a current lack
of knowledge regarding to what extent formalin fixation alters the identification of proteins
in the skin with inflammatory dermatoses. This information would be important to assess when
determining the limitations (or potentially lack thereof) of using fixed specimens in
research.

Collaborators have successfully developed a murine model that can accept human skin
xenografts. While those investigators have successfully demonstrated transplantation of
healthy skin onto mice, it is unknown whether skin affected by inflammatory disease can be
transplanted and, if so, whether the inflammatory skin disease remains, whether it spreads to
involve host skin, or whether it resolves. Determining feasibility of transplanting inflamed
human skin using this model, as well as observing the course of this inflammation, are the
next steps in advancing this potentially invaluable research modality.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Adults >18 years with active cutaneous lichen planus with capacity to consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Concurrent skin infection

- Wound healing disturbances

- Patients on systemic immunosuppressive medications.

- Lidocaine allergy

- Platelets <10,000