The SCID-hu xenogeneic transplantation model: complex but telling

Animal models based on knock-out or transgenic technology are widely used i n basic and applied biomedical research. An alternative to these approaches is the generation of xenogeneic transplantation models allowing the in-viv o investigation of cell types and organs. In the field of dermatology trans plantation of human skin onto mice lacking functional B and T cells (SCID m ice) and subsequent manipulation of these grafts yielded new insights in ma ny different aspects of skin biology. This review highlights some off the a pplications of this versatile model focussing on phenomena relevant for the subject of dermatology.