Laboratory mice born to wild mice have natural microbiota and model human immune responses

Rosshart SP, Herz J, Vassallo BG, Hunter A, Wall MK, Badger JH, Mcculloch JA, Anastasakis DG, Sarshad AA, Leonardi I, Collins N, Blatter JA, Han SJ, Tamoutounour S, Potapova S, St Claire MBF, Yuan W, Sen SK, Dreier MS, Hild B, Hafner M, Wang D, Iliev ID, Belkaid Y, Trinchieri G, Rehermann B (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Science American Association for the Advancement of Science

Book Volume: 365

Article Number: 461

Journal Issue: 6452

DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw4361

Abstract

Laboratory mouse studies are paramount for understanding basic biological phenomena but also have limitations. These include conflicting results caused by divergent microbiota and limited translational research value. To address both shortcomings, we transferred C57BL/6 embryos into wild mice, creating “wildlings.” These mice have a natural microbiota and pathogens at all body sites and the tractable genetics of C57BL/6 mice. The bacterial microbiome, mycobiome, and virome of wildlings affect the immune landscape of multiple organs. Their gut microbiota outcompete laboratory microbiota and demonstrate resilience to environmental challenges. Wildlings, but not conventional laboratory mice, phenocopied human immune responses in two preclinical studies. A combined natural microbiota- and pathogen-based model may enhance the reproducibility of biomedical studies and increase the bench-to-bedside safety and success of immunological studies.

Authors with CRIS profile

Stephan Patrick Rosshart

Involved external institutions

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK / NIDDKD) US United States (USA) (US) University of Virginia (UVA) US United States (USA) (US) National Cancer Institute (NCI) US United States (USA) (US) US National Institutes of Health (NIH) US United States (USA) (US) Cornell University US United States (USA) (US) Washington University in St. Louis US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Rosshart, S.P., Herz, J., Vassallo, B.G., Hunter, A., Wall, M.K., Badger, J.H.,... Rehermann, B. (2019). Laboratory mice born to wild mice have natural microbiota and model human immune responses. Science, 365(6452). https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aaw4361

MLA:

Rosshart, Stephan P., et al. "Laboratory mice born to wild mice have natural microbiota and model human immune responses." Science 365.6452 (2019).

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