Researchers at Yale University announced that for the first time in history, they successfully transplanted cells of the human immune system into a laboratory mouse. This achievement will allow scientists to study the causes and development of human diseases with an incredible level of accuracy, as well as to create more effective means of treatment for various diseases.
The benefit of such a study will be the possibility of easier use of any results of the study of the mouse and their correlation with the human model of the innate immune system for the subsequent treatment of people. Scientists often use humanized laboratory mice to study the immune response of the human innate immune system, but until recently, the level of consistency between the two immune systems was not perfect and did not effectively dilute the immune cells of the humanized mouse. Details of the new study were published in the authoritative scientific journal Nature Biotechnology.
Yale scientists explain that the human immune system is the first line of defense of our bodies against various invaders, including bacteria and viruses. In addition, this system is responsible for the production of immune B and T cells that are programmed to recognize and attack specific pathogens. And most of the information that tells us about how these cells work has been discovered through various studies and experiments on laboratory mice.
However, using the data obtained for human cases was impossible because of the differences between the two organisms. But with the transfer of the human immune system into the mouse organism, scientists will be able to study and draw conclusions in accordance with the peculiarity of the human immune system.
The solution to this problem was in a series of four genes that encode proteins involved in supporting the development of immune cells. These molecules are called cycotins and seriously affect the proper functioning of the immune system. So, the Yale group of scientists managed to isolate these four genes and their connections in the human immune system and transplant them into the immune system of the mouse.
“The task of making all the necessary human genes transferred to the mouse and then making its immune system work like a human was incredibly difficult, but we did it,” said Anthony Rongwo, the main author of this study, working in the department of immunology at the Yale School of Medicine.
“The results were phenomenal. The new model will now allow us to find answers to the most significant and still unsolved answers regarding how the human immune system fights against various diseases, infections and viruses, ”adds the scientist.
The article is based on materials .
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