Mouse Models for Immunology Research available from The Jackson Laboratory Repository

Abstract

Abstract The Jackson Laboratory Repository serves as a centralized facility for the development, distribution and cryopreservation of mouse models of human biology and disease. Hundreds of new strains are added annually to one of the largest collections of characterized mouse strains available. Our newest strains carry genes associated with T lymphocyte regulation and development. T cells from the Fyb (ADAP) knockout (KO) exhibit impaired proliferation and TCR-mediated adhesion. T cells from the Cd27 KO have a diminished viral response and a delayed memory cell response. A conditional KO of Kdm6b (Jmjd3), a histone demethylase, results in altered T cell differentiation. Finally, conditional expression of an HA-tagged mutant human transcription factor, FOXO, is associated with regulatory T cell function. Mice carrying the Ifnar1 (interferon αβ receptor 1) KO allele have a reduced immune response and increased susceptibility to viral infection. The Ifnar1 KO, combined with the Ifngr1 (interferon γ receptor 1) KO allele provide a model for Zika virus (and other viruses) pathogenesis. New tool strains include two conditional GFP knockin reporters, one in Spic, a transcription factor expressed in macrophages, and the second in Ebf1, a transcription factor involved in B cell development. A knockin to Zbtb46, a zinc finger transcription factor, expresses Cre recombinase in classical dendritic cells. Donating a strain to the Repository fulfills the NIH’s requirements for sharing mice. Researchers wishing to have strains considered for inclusion in the Repository are encouraged to submit their strains: www.jax.org/donate-a-mouse. This work is supported by NIH, HHMI, and several private charitable foundations.