A Technique for Human Skin Grafting in a Mouse Model

Begin with an anesthetized, non-obese diabetic, and immunodeficient mouse that lacks various immune cells.

The mouse is pre-treated with antibodies to block the neutrophil surface receptors and suppress the immune response.

Excise the skin from the mouse's back without damaging the connective tissue and create a graft bed.

Place a human split-thickness skin, comprising the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, on the graft bed, with the epidermis facing up.

Secure it with glue and bandage it to minimize infections and restrain the graft tissue.

During recovery, the graft tissue receives oxygen and nutrients from the mouse skin, facilitating its attachment.

Over time, blood vessels develop between the human skin and the mouse skin.

This helps to establish circulation and infiltration of human immune cells, achieving a successful human skin grafting in the mouse model.

After transferring the mouse to the surgical station, sterilize the surgical area and place a sterile plastic wrap over the mouse. Cut a window in the plastic slightly larger than the size of the area to be grafted.

Hold the donor skin firmly in place with the forceps' backside, and cut a rectangle-shaped 10-by-10 mil