Lenny Shultz, Ph.D.
Professor
Investigates human immunological diseases and malignancy through the development and leveraging of novel humanized mouse models
Complex biological processes often require in vivo analysis. A fundamental understanding of many biological processes in humans has stemmed from experimental studies in animal models, particularly in laboratory mice. For several decades, our lab has studied the molecular and cellular basis for pathological changes caused by spontaneous mutations that disrupt the development or regulation of the murine hematopoietic and immune systems. This knowledge has increased our understanding of human disease. Certain mutations result in severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID). We have applied the knowledge gained in our studies of SCID mice to optimize them to serve as hosts for human normal and malignant cells and tissues. There is a growing need for animal models to carry out research studies without putting human individuals at risk. We have developed SCID mouse models that support high levels of engraftment with human cells and tissues to overcome these limitations. We have collaborated nationally and internationally with colleagues to develop improved humanized mouse models and optimize the technologies used for engraftment of normal and malignant human cells and tissues. Our research has leveraged these models for translational studies on human hematopoiesis, immunity, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, diabetes, regenerative medicine and cancer.
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Featured ArticleApril 25, 2024Postdocs discuss neurodegenerative conditions for 'Scientifically Speaking'
JAX’s 'Scientifically Speaking' virtual series continues May 7, featuring two postdoctoral associates taking on the challenge of neurodegenerative disease. -
Research HighlightAugust 01, 2022Researching facilitators of cancer metastasis
Guangwen “Gary” Ren's new research shows that the structural cells in the lung (fibroblasts) drive myeloid cell dysfunction to create a more welcoming environment for metastatic cancer. -
Research HighlightOctober 25, 2017Targeting the pathways that matter in leukemia
Which mutations drive cancer initiation and, in cases of recurrence, which provided therapy resistance? -
Blog PostApril 15, 2015The Next 'Big Thing' in Cancer Modeling: Patient-Derived Xenografts in Humanized NSG Mice
Co-engrafting mice with human tumors that retain the same characteristics and human immune cells, is a new platform to study the relationship between the human immune system and tumors and develop immuno-oncology-based cancer therapies.
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Research HighlightFebruary 23, 2023Investigating the roles of mesenchymal cells in lung metastasis of breast cancer
Research from the Ren Lab examines the roles for mesenchymal cells in lung metastasis of breast cancer. -
Press ReleaseApril 13, 2021Lenny Shultz joins new JDRF Center of Excellence to advance Type 1 Diabetes research
JDRF has announced the launch of the JDRF Center of Excellence in New England. The new center is comprised of a team of experts from institutions in New England including JAX’s Lenny Shultz, Ph.D. -
Blog PostJanuary 20, 2016Cancer Moonshot 2020 technologies explained
Last week, leaders from multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, major academic cancer centers, health insurance companies, and other key players, announced the launch of Cancer Moonshot 2020. The program’s sole purpose: accelerating the potential of combination immunotherapies as the next generation standard of care in patients with cancer. -
eNewsApril 01, 2015
Quiescent leukemia stem cells forced to proliferate in NSG mice