Humanized mice for immune system investigation: progress, promise and challenges.

Authors

Leonard D ShultzFollow
Michael A Brehm
J Victor Garcia-Martinez
Dale L Greiner

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2012

JAX Source

Nat Rev Immunol 2012; 12(11):786-98.

PMID

23059428

Volume

12

Issue

11

First Page

786

Last Page

798

ISSN

1474-1741

Abstract

Significant advances in our understanding of the in vivo functions of human cells and tissues and the human immune system have resulted from the development of 'humanized' mouse strains that are based on severely immunodeficient mice with mutations in the interleukin-2 receptor common γ-chain locus. These mouse strains support the engraftment of a functional human immune system and permit detailed analyses of human immune biology, development and functions. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in the development and utilization of humanized mice, the lessons learnt, the remaining challenges and the promise of using humanized mice for the in vivo study of human immunology.

Recommended Citation

Shultz L, Brehm M, Garcia-Martinez J, Greiner D. Humanized mice for immune system investigation: progress, promise and challenges. Nat Rev Immunol 2012; 12(11):786-98.