A model of skin inflammation in humans leads to a rapid and reproducible increase in the interferon response signature: a potential translational model for drug development.

Objectives: To investigate Toll-like receptor activation in human skin using tape stripping and imiquimod cream challenges in healthy volunteers.

Subjects, Treatment And Methods: Seventeen male Caucasian subjects underwent a baseline biopsy on their lower back prior to two tape stripping procedures 7 days apart. Subjects were then treated with 5% imiquimod for 2 and 4 days on separate sites in the same area.