Humanized Mouse Models for HIV Research

Humanized mouse models are based on the engraftment of human cells in immunodeficient mouse strains, most notably the NSG strain. Most used models have a major limitation in common, the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD not only introduces variabilities into the research data but also leads to animal welfare concerns. A new mouse strain, B6.129S-Rag2 tm1Fwa CD47 tm1Fpl Il2rg tm1Wjl /J which lacks Rag1, IL2rg, and CD47 (triple knockout or TKO), is resistant to GVHD development. We transplanted TKO mice with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to establish a new humanized PBMC (hu-PBMC) mouse model. A cohort of these mice was infected with HIV-1 and monitored for plasma HIV viremia and CD4 + T cell depletion. The onset and progression of GVHD were monitored by clinical signs. This study demonstrates that TKO mice transplanted with human PBMCs support engraftment of human immune cells in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues, rectum, and brain. Moreover, the TKO hu-PBMC model supports HIV-1 infection via intraperitoneal, rectal, or vaginal routes, as confirmed by robust plasma HIV viremia and CD4 + T cell depletion. Lastly, TKO mice showed a delayed onset of GVHD clinical signs (∼28 days) and exhibited significant decreases in plasma levels of TNFβ. Based on these results, the TKO hu-PBMC mouse model not only supports humanization and HIV-1 infection but also has a delayed onset of GVHD development, making this model a valuable tool in HIV research. Importance Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for HIV infection, thus continued research is needed to end the HIV pandemic. While many animal models are used in HIV research, none is used more than the humanized mouse model. A major limitation with current humanized mouse models is the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Here, we show a novel humanized-PBMC mouse model that has a delayed onset GVHD development and supports and models HIV infection comparable to well-established humanized mouse models.

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Perspectives on Non-BLT Humanized Mouse Models for Studying HIV Pathogenesis and Therapy

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13050776 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 776

Author(s):

Kazutaka Terahara ◽

Ryutaro Iwabuchi ◽

Yasuko Tsunetsugu-Yokota

Keyword(s):

Mouse Models ◽

Humanized Mice ◽

Lymphoid Tissues ◽

Humanized Mouse ◽

Hiv Pathogenesis ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Critical Issues ◽

In Vivo Animal Models ◽

Humanized Mouse Models

A variety of humanized mice, which are reconstituted only with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or with fetal thymus and HSCs, have been developed and widely utilized as in vivo animal models of HIV-1 infection. The models represent some aspects of HIV-mediated pathogenesis in humans and are useful for the evaluation of therapeutic regimens. However, there are several limitations in these models, including their incomplete immune responses and poor distribution of human cells to the secondary lymphoid tissues. These limitations are common in many humanized mouse models and are critical issues that need to be addressed. As distinct defects exist in each model, we need to be cautious about the experimental design and interpretation of the outcomes obtained using humanized mice. Considering this point, we mainly characterize the current conventional humanized mouse reconstituted only with HSCs and describe past achievements in this area, as well as the potential contributions of the humanized mouse models for the study of HIV pathogenesis and therapy. We also discuss the use of various technologies to solve the current problems. Humanized mice will contribute not only to the pre-clinical evaluation of anti-HIV regimens, but also to a deeper understanding of basic aspects of HIV biology.

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Humanized Mouse Models to Study Cell-Mediated Immune Responses to Liver-Stage Malaria Vaccines

Trends in Parasitology ◽

10.1016/j.pt.2015.06.008 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 31 (11) ◽

pp. 583-594 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Michael F. Good ◽

Michael T. Hawkes ◽

Stephanie K. Yanow

Keyword(s):

Immune Responses ◽

Mouse Models ◽

Humanized Mouse ◽

Liver Stage ◽

Malaria Vaccines ◽

Humanized Mouse Models

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The Future is NOW for Humanized Mouse Models

Humanized Mice for HIV Research ◽

10.1007/978-1-4939-1655-9_42 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 531-534

Author(s):

J. Victor Garcia

Keyword(s):

Mouse Models ◽

Humanized Mouse ◽

The Future ◽

Humanized Mouse Models

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Generation of Novel Human Red Blood Cell-Bearing Humanized Mouse Models Based on C3-Deficient NOG Mice

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2021.671648 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Takuya Yamaguchi ◽

Ikumi Katano ◽

Iyo Otsuka ◽

Ryoji Ito ◽

Misa Mochizuki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mouse Models ◽

Complement C3 ◽

Humanized Mouse ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Gm Csf ◽

Human Red Blood Cells ◽

Mouse Macrophages ◽

C3 Gene ◽

Humanized Mouse Models

Despite recent advances in immunodeficient mouse models bearing human red blood cells (hRBCs), the elimination of circulating hRBCs by residual innate immune systems remains a significant challenge. In this study, we evaluated the role of mouse complement C3 in the elimination of circulating hRBCs by developing a novel NOG substrain harboring a truncated version of the murine C3 gene (NOG-C3ΔMG2-3). Genetic C3 deletion prolonged the survival of transfused hRBCs in the circulation. Chemical depletion and functional impairment of mouse macrophages, using clodronate liposomes (Clo-lip) or gadolinium chloride (GdCl3), respectively, further extended the survival of hRBCs in NOG-C3ΔMG2-3 mice. Low GdCl3 toxicity allowed the establishment of hRBC-bearing mice, in which hRBCs survived for more than 4 weeks with transfusion once a week. In addition, erythropoiesis of human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSCs) was possible in NOG-C3ΔMG2-3/human GM-CSF-IL-3 transgenic mice with Clo-lip treatment. These findings indicate that mouse models harboring hRBCs can be achieved using NOG-C3ΔMG2-3 mice, which could facilitate studies of human diseases associated with RBCs.

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