Although a large amount of basic biology has been obtained from mouse studies, there are limitations to mouse models when investigating human biology. For example, there are many differences in innate immune molecules, including the lack of functional TLR10 in mice and the absence of mouse TLR11, TLR12, and TLR13 expression in the human genome. Moreover, many drugs and human pathogens are species-specific. These issues highlight the need for better mouse models that can more faithfully recapitulate human biological systems. Humanized mice have begun to fill this gap and have become important pre-clinical tools for biomedical research.
Humanized mouse models are immunodeficient mice engrafted with functional human cells and tissues. Generally, humanized mouse models are reconstituted with either human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as well as specific human immune cells such as T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and NK cells. These models present an innovative, cost-effective platform for simulating human trials (at a lower cost), evaluating multiple drugs alone or in combination, and generating predicative data.
With years of experience in developing hu-mouse models with functional human hematopoietic and lymphoid systems, Creative Bioarray has established reliable humanized mouse models with robust, functional human immune systems. Our goal is to provide animals of high-quality and consistency at all times to facilitate cutting-edge research of the human immune response.
Figure 1. Schematic illustration of humanized PDX mouse models.
Model | Approach | Characteristics | Use |
Hu-PBL-SCID | Engrafted with mature peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from blood, spleen or lymph nodes | Predominately engrafts human CD3+ T cells. | Study of human T cell activation and effector function |
Hu-SRC-SCID | Engrafted with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) obtained from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, or fetal liver | Develops human hematopoietic and native immune systems | Study of complete hematopoietic system and native immune system |
SCID-Hu and BLT | Engrafted with human fetal liver and thymus, BLT with autologous CD34+ cells from liver | Develops human hematopoietic and immune systems | Study of complete hematopoietic system and native immune system |
Hu-Tg mice | Transgenic expression of human genes | Expresses specific human genes in vivo | In vivo study of human gene function |
Custom orders and/or collaborations are available to establish models tailored to the investigators' individual research needs. Please contact us for more details.