The Scid Mouse: Characterization and Potential Uses

This is the first book to focus on the use of the scid mouse in biomedical science which summarizes all of the current research. It provides an up-to-date, comprehensive, and critical appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of this unusual mouse mutant as a model in various areas in basic and medical research.

During routine genetic screening of several immunoglobulin heavy chain congenic mouse strains in 1980, one of us (MB) was surprised to find that several mice in the C.B-17IIcr strain, which was being maintained in a specific-pathogen-free facility of the Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia, PA), did not express serum immunoglobulin of the appropriate allotype. Fearing an error in the breeding of these mice, the sera of the suspect mice were screened for other allotypes. When these tests revealed a complete absence of serum immunoglobulin, it became apparent that a mutation had probably occurred in the C.B-17IIcr line. Further analysis revealed that a single breeding pair was respon- sible for all of the immunoglobulin negative mice and that the defect showed recessive inheritance. Thus was the C.B-17/Icr scid or severe combined immune deficient (scid) mouse discovered. Although it has taken most animal facilities several years to breed scid mice of high quality for experimental purpose, it was clear by 1987 that many investigators were beginning to exploit the unique qualities of the scid mouse for studies in several areas.

Contents: General Phenotype/Cellular Characterization.- General Phenotype/Molecular Characterization.- Introduction of Functional Ig or TCR Transgenes.- Leaky Phenotypes.- Potential Uses: Engraftment with Syngeneic Mouse Cells.- Potential Uses: Engraftment with Human Tissues and Cells.- Potential Uses: Models For Studies of Immune Function.