Inflammatory Cells From Various Pathologies

Innovaderm, in collaboration with "The Immunoregulation laboratories of CRCHUM" and "McGill University division of dermatology", recently developed a novel 6-hour method to study IL-17A (Interleukin) and IL-22 from fresh biopsies of psoriatic patients. This reproducible experimental approach combines enzymatic digestion and mechanical dissociation for skin cell isolation. This is followed by a multi-color flow cytometry analysis in the absence of in vitro expansion and re-stimulation. Using this method, we examined the cellular source of IL-17A and IL-22 on a small number (20x10³) of viable CD45+ (Cluster of Differentiation Antigen 45) cells that are freshly isolated from 4 mm punch skin biopsies (n=22 patients with psoriasis). The method was used for the study on "Persistence of IL-17A+ T lymphocytes and IL-17A expression in psoriatic plaques refractory to ustekinumab therapy" presented during the 72nd annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Denver. A detailed presentation of this method will be done during the upcoming annual meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We would like to investigate and adapt this method for other dermatological conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis, Acne Rosacea and Acne Vulgaris.

Inclusion criteria

• Subject, male or female, is aged 18 years or older at the screening visit.
• Female subjects of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at the Screening visit.
• Subjects must be able and willing to provide written informed consent and comply with the requirements of this study protocol.

**Special inclusion criterion for volunteers with atopic dermatitis, acne rosacea, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, or HS

• Patient has a history of atopic dermatitis, acne rosacea, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, or HS for at least 6 months.

**Special inclusion criterion for volunteers with atopic dermatitis

• Subject has clinically confirmed diagnosis of active atopic dermatitis, according to Hanifin and Rajka criteria

Exclusion criteria

• Female subject is pregnant or lactating
• Subject is currently participating in a clinical trial with an experimental drug or device
• Subject is known to have hepatitis B or hepatitis C viral infection
• Subject is known to have immune deficiency or is immunocompromised
• Subject has a known hypersensitivity/allergy to lidocaine
• Patient has a history of keloids
• Patient is taking heparin, warfarin or has a contraindication to skin biopsies.
• Patient has used systemic medication, medical devices or natural health products to treat acne rosacea, atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, or HS, or UVB phototherapy within 4 weeks of biopsy day
• Patient has used oral, intravenous, intramuscular or intra-lesional or intra-articular steroids, or immunosuppressive medication within 4 weeks of biopsy day
• Patient has used a biologic agent within 24 weeks or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) of biopsy day
• Patient has used topical medication, natural health products or medical devices to treat acne rosacea, atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, or HS on the areas to be biopsied within 2 weeks of biopsy day
• Patients is currently using or has used isotretinoin