NSG™ mice engrafted with human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (hu-CD34) demonstrate robust multi-lineage engraftment of human immune cell populations including very good T cell maturation and function. The NOD scid gamma (NSG™) recipient mouse, developed by JAX Professor Lenny Shultz, has been shown to support greater engraftment of human hematopoietic stem cells (hu-CD34+ cells) than all other currently available strains (McDermott et al. 2010).
Key features:
- Human CD34+ cells stably engraft the bone marrow.
- Multi-lineage hematopoiesis occurs within 12 weeks.
- Engraftment is stable for over one year without graft-versus-host disease.
- CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are present in circulation and other tissues (Shultz et al. 2005).
- Good platform for screening efficacy of genetically modified stem cells (Kitchen et al. 2012).
CD34+ humanization process
Female NSG™ mice are injected with human hematopoietic stem cells (hu-CD34+). Engraftment of mature human white blood cells (hCD45+) is confirmed 12 weeks after injection. Any mouse with more than 25% hCD45+ cells is considered successfully humanized.
Validation
We examine each humanized mouse for the presence of huCD45+ cells and murine CD45+ cells (mCD45) in the mouse peripheral blood by flow cytometry 12 weeks post-engraftment. Published reports (Ishikawa et al. 2005) and our own experience support the 12-week window as being required for functional development of mature T cells. All mice ship with >25% huCD45+ cells in the peripheral blood.
Availability
Study-ready cohorts of inventoried humanized mice are readily available for shipment to your institution or for enrollment in customized drug efficacy studies executed by our In Vivo Services scientists. We routinely generate cohorts of NSG™ mice engrafted with hu-CD34+ cells which offer improved humoral and mucosal immunity. NSG™ mice engrafted with human PBMCs (hu-PBMC), best-suited for short-term studies targeting mature T cells, are available upon request.
Health status
The humanized NSG™ mice are maintained in an intermediate barrier. The latest health report of the mouse room can be viewed here. The engrafted human hematopoietic stem cells have been tested to be free of HIV, HBV, HCV and LCMV (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus).
Licensing requirements for humanized mice
We distribute NSG™ mice under an agreement with the NIH. NSG™ mice are available to non-profit research institutions under an MTA. Companies and for profit entities require a license prior to shipping. Many companies already have a license that includes engrafted NSG™ mice. To confirm that your company is covered or for new license inquiries, please contact:
Peter Wells
Director, Technology Transfer
The Jackson Laboratory
Phone: 207-288-6883
Email: Peter.Wells@jax.org