At NCARD we utilise a variety of pre-clinical models to better understand the dynamics of host-tumour and tumour-treatment interactions. Some of the models we have available are listed below. Original references or links to vendor information are supplied where available.
Inbred mouse strains: Common laboratory inbred mouse strains such as BALB/c and C57Bl6/J form the backbone of much of our pre-clinical work.
- BALB/cJ : a commonly used inbred mouse stain. JAX stock No# 000651
- C57BL/6J is the most widely used inbred strain and the first to have its genome sequenced. JAX stock No 000664#
Transgenic mouse strains:
- BALB/c Foxp3.dtr.Crslc: BALB/c based mouse model in which the administration of diphtheria toxin (DT) leads to specific depletion of regulatory T cells (Treg) due to expression of DT receptor-enhanced GFP under the control of the Foxp3 promoter. (PMID: 19923467). Mice are maintained in house.
- MexTAg mice: Asbestos induced mesothelioma mouse model in which expression of the Simian Virus 40 large T antigen (SV40 TAg) is controlled by mesothelin tissue‑specific promoter. TAg phenocopies loss of the tumour suppressor gene p16 and thus MexTAg mice reliably develop mesothelioma, but only after asbestos exposure (PubMed Refs 17108115, 20850297, 26680231). Cryopreserved material for rederivation is available.
TCR transgenic strains:
- BALB/c CL4 x Thy1.1: TCR transgenic mouse in which CD8 T cells predominantly recognise the MHC class I (H-2Kd) restricted epitope of PR8 influenza HA533-541 protein (PMID: 8757600). Congenic Thy1.1 allele serves as a marker for following donor CD8+ T cells in vitro. Cell populations derived from these transgenic mice can be distinguished from syngeneic host and other mice with the alternate allele via flow cytometry. JAX stock No# 005307. Mice are maintained in house.
- BALB/c HNT x Thy1.1: TCR transgenic mouse in which CD4 T cells predominantly recognise the MHC class II (I‑Ad)‑restricted TCR specific for the PR8 influenza HA peptide126–138 (PMID: 7889402). Congenic Thy1.1 allele serves as a marker for following donor T cells in vitro. Mice are maintained in house.
Immunodeficient mice
NCARD uses immunodeficient mice from commercial vendors. Immunodeficient mouse strains are invaluable when assessing the role of immune cell subsets in anti‑tumour immunity.
- NOD scid Gamma (NSG-/-): These mice carry two mutations on the NOD/ShiLtJ genetic background; severe combined immune deficiency (scid) and a complete null allele of the IL2 receptor common gamma chain (IL2rgnull). JAX stock No# 005557