Production of Humanized Mouse via Thymic Renal Capsule Grafting, CD34+ Cells Injection, and Cytokine Delivery

J Vis Exp. 2021 Sep 27:(175). doi: 10.3791/62906.

Abstract

Animal models provide a vital translation between in vitro and in vivo biomedical research. Humanized mouse models provide a bridge in the representation of human systems, thereby allowing for a more accurate study of pathogenesis, biomarkers, and many other scientific queries. In this method described, immune-deficient NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice are implanted with autologous thymus, injected with liver-derived CD34+ cells followed by a series of injected cytokine deliveries. In contrast to other models of a similar nature, the model described here promotes an improved reconstitution of immune cells by delivering cytokines and growth factors via transgenes encoded in AAV8 or pMV101 DNA-based vectors. Moreover, it offers long-term stability with reconstituted mice having an average lifespan of 30 weeks after CD34+ injections. Through this model, we hope to provide a stable and impactful method of studying immunotherapy and human disease in a murine model, thus demonstrating the need for predictive preclinical models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Kidney*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, SCID

Substances

  • Cytokines