Genetically Modified Skin Cells May Help Burn Victims Fight Infection (1/8/2007)

Dorothy Supp, PhD and her team at the University of Cincinnati have created genetically altered skin cells that, may help fight off potentially lethal infections in patients with severe burns.

In this three-year laboratory study skin cells were genetically altered to produce higher amounts of a protein known as human beta defensin 4 (HBD4). The protein has been found to kill more bacteria than skin cells with normal amounts of HBD4. The hope is that bioengineered skin substitutes will provide a defense system boost during the initial grafting period, when the skin is most likely to become infected.

The process starts by growing skin substitutes in a laboratory using cells from a burn patient's own skin. These cells are then combined with a spongy layer of collagen to make skin grafts that are reattached to the burn wound.

Currently, physicians repair cultured skin graft infections during the initial healing period by continually wrapping the wound in bandages soaked in antimicrobial drugs. Although this protects the grafts, it can contribute to the creation of drug-resistant strains of bacteria.

This study was funded by the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the University of Cincinnati

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