What is the best host for xenograft studies?
The most appropriate answer to this question is that it depends on the cell line(s) to be used – any cell line may have performance that varies from one host to another. There are, however, some factors to consider. Nude vs. Scid All nude mice are T cell deficient. That is the minimum requirement to host a human tumor graft. Most of the tumor lines we have worked with grow quite well in the basic nude mouse. SCID mice are also T cell deficient, and are B cell deficient too. Inbred vs Outbred Taconic provides these immune deficiencies on outbred backgrounds (NCR nude, ICR-scid) and also on inbred backgrounds (B6 and BALB/c nude, CB.17scid). The use of an inbred model offers more consistent (homozygous) background genetics. The outbred versions tend to be larger, and since they produce larger litters, we can offer them at lower prices. Role of NK cells Certain cell lines may be susceptible to NK cell activity. In this case, a mouse that is also NK cell deficient may be necessary. Taconic
