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Mice with human immune system components as in vivo models for infections with human pathogens
Author(s) -
Rämer Patrick C,
Chijioke Obinna,
Meixlsperger Sonja,
Leung Carol S,
Münz Christian
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1038/icb.2010.151
Subject(s) - immune system , biology , human disease , in vivo , infectious disease (medical specialty) , immunology , animal model , human pathogen , virology , disease , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , genetics , gene , pathology , endocrinology
Many pathogens relevant to human disease do not infect other animal species. Therefore, animal models that reconstitute or harbor human tissues are explored as hosts for these. In this review, we will summarize recent advances to utilize mice with human immune system components, reconstituted from hematopoietic progenitor cells in vivo . Such mice can be used to study human pathogens that replicate in leukocytes. In addition to studying the replication of these pathogens, the reconstituted human immune system components can also be analyzed for initiating immune responses and control against these infections. Moreover, these new animal models of human infectious disease should replicate the reactivity of the human immune system to vaccine candidates and, especially, the adjuvants contained in them, more faithfully.