2. Immunodeficiency, also known as immunocompromisation, is a state in which the immune
system’s ability to fight infectious diseases and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. Most
cases are acquired (“secondary”) due to extrinsic factors that affect the patient’s immune system.
Examples of these extrinsic factors include HIV infection and environmental factors, such
as nutrition. Immunocompromisation may also be due to genetic diseases/flaws such as SCID.
In clinical settings, immunosuppression by some drugs, such as steroids, can either
be an adverse effect or the intended purpose of the treatment. Examples of such use
is in organ transplant surgery as an anti-rejection measure and in patients with an
overactive immune system, as in autoimmune diseases. Some people are born with
intrinsic defects in their immune system, or primary immunodeficiency.
What is an immunodeficiency?
3. Significance of using animal models for research
Using animal models in research provides valuable insights
into human biology, diseases, and potential treatments.
Animals share physiological and genetic similarities with
humans, allowing scientists to study complex biological
processes and test hypotheses before moving to clinical trials.
This approach helps ensure safety and efficacy in developing
new drugs, therapies, and medical interventions. Animal
models also allow researchers to control variables and conduct
experiments that might be unethical or impractical in human
studies.
4. Animal model of immunodeficiency include genetically altered animals
NUDE mouse
(nu or Hfhllnu or foxn1nu)
5. • In some mice, a recessive gene on chromosome 11 controls a hereditary characteristic
named nu.
• Homozygous (nu/nu) mice for this feature are hairless and have a vestigial thymus. The
heterozygote siblings nu/+ have hair and a normal thymus. It is unknown whether the same
gene causes both baldness and thymus dysfunction.
• It is plausible that two closely linked genes are responsible for these apparently unrelated
abnormalities that occur simultaneously in this mutant animal.
• A gene that regulates development may be involved, as the mechanism that leads to the
differential development of the thymus and skin epithelial cells is connected.
• In normal conditions, the nu/nu mouse has a 100% mortality rate within 25 weeks and a 50%
mortality rate within the first two weeks after birth.
NUDE mouse
6. They lack cell-mediated immune responses and are incapable of
producing antibodies against the majority of antigens.
• A thymic transplant is capable of reversing the immunodeficiency
of a naked mouse. Due of their ability to permanently survive both
allografts and xenografts, they have a variety of experimental
applications.
• For instance, hybridomas or solid tumours of any origin can be
produced as ascites or as implanted tumours in a mouse lacking
fur.
• It is recognised that the nude mouse does not lack T cells entirely,
but rather has a small population that grows with age.
7. Applications
Researchers use the NUDE mouse to study
immune responses, test drug therapies, and
develop treatment strategies for primary
immunodeficiency disorders. Its unique
characteristics make it a valuable asset in the
field of immunology research.
