PAPILLOMA FORMATION IN HUMAN FORESKIN XENOGRAFTS AFTER INOCULATION OFHUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE-16 DNA

A mouse model of high-risk human papillomavirus infection was develope d in which human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 DNA was inoculated into human foreskin grafted to the skin of severe combined immunodeficient (scid) mice. Grafted skin contained human epidermis and dermis and, li ke normal human skin, expressed involucrin in differentiating keratino cytes. HPV type 16 DNA, attached to gold particles, was delivered dire ctly into human epidermal cells and induced exophytic papilloma with h istologic features of papillomavirus infection, including koilocytosis and expression of papillomavirus capsid antigen. This model should be useful for determining in vivo the functions of viral genes and for d eveloping strategies to prevent and treat HPV-associated disease. It m ay also be of value in developing animal models of other human skin di seases.