<em>Tg26(HIV)</em> transgenic mice contain a 7.4-kb proviral human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA construct carrying a deletion, encompassing most of the gag and pol genes, to render it noninfectious. Founder line 26, containing 10-20 copies of the transgene was established. Expression is seen in podocytes with some expression also evident in skin and skeletal muscle. These mice develop a kidney disease identical to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) observed in HIV-infected patients of African descent. HIVAN is characterized by collapsing glomerulopathy (CG), tubular cystic dilatation, and podocyte proliferation. Homozygous and heterozygous transgenic mice 4 to 12 days of age have normal renal pathology. Homozygous mice seldom survive to weaning. Between 25 and 30 days age, hemizygous mice exhibit severe ventral subcutaneous edema and ascites with moderate to severe edema in the mesentery, omenturn, and pancreas. The kidneys are pale and enlarged and the capsular surface appears pitted. There is a reduction in the size of the thymus and lymph nodes. The mice are runted after 30 days of age. Premature death, between 2 and 6 months, is preceded by muscle wastage, elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and elevated serum creatinine levels. Mice also exhibit cataracts, skin lesions, and kinky tail.<br /><br />The donating investigator reports that 3 of 16 heterozygous mice die between 2 and 6 months of age with increased proteinuria. Also, 30% of mice, predominantly female, show papillomatous skin lesions.


These Tg26(HIV) mice express a transgene containing a portion of the human immunodeficiency virus and develop an HIV-associated nephropathy.

Typically mice are recovered in 12-16 weeks. Contact Customer Service to place an order or for more information.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/customer-support" rel="noreferrer">Contact Customer Service</a> for more information.