Figure 1.

A: To verify that the pBK5-IPAS construct could block interferon-γ induction of IP-9, pBK5-IPAS was transfected into human keratinocytes (HeKn) and stimulated with interferon-γ. Immunoblot analysis (using equal protein loading) revealed IP-9 is not expressed in keratinocytes transfected with the pBK5-IPAS construct after interferon-γ induction. Notx, diluent alone. B: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated IP-9 suppression in the IP-9AS mice biopsies from day 14 of an experimental excisional wound. Presence of IP-9 is seen in the basal layer of keratinocytes that express keratin K5/K8 in the FVB mice (arrows). C: Characterization of IP-9 mRNA expression in wound biopsies on day 14 is visualized by in situ hybridization with DIG-labeled anti-sense RNA probes. Sense probes did not demonstrate any staining (data not shown). Significant staining was noted in the basal keratinocytes back from the margin of wound bed (WB) (transition to mesenchymal keratinocytes). Shown is the gradated decrease in IP-9 mRNA expression from the differentiated basal keratinocytes to the re-epithelializing keratinocytes (arrows). No staining is noted in unwounded skin (data not shown). Shown are representative of at least three experiments. Scale bars: 100 μm (B); 50 μm (C). Original magnifications: ×200 (B); ×400 (C).