High level functional engraftment of severe combined immunodeficient mice with human peripheral blood lymphocytes following pretreatment with radiation and anti-asialo GM1

An Animal Model That Mimics Human Herpesvirus 6B Pathogenesis

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B), a T-lymphotropic virus, infects almost exclusively humans. An animal model of HHV-6B has not been available. Here, we report the first animal model to mimic HHV-6B pathogenesis; the model is based on humanized mice in which human immune cells were engrafted and maintained. For HHV-6B replication, adequate human T-cell activation (which becomes susceptible to HHV-6B) is necessary in this murine model. Here, we found that an additional transfer of human mononuclear cells to humanized mice resulted in an explosive proliferation of human activated T cells, which could be representative of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) because the primary transfer of human cells was not sufficient to increase the number and ratio of human T cells. Mice infected with HHV-6B became weak and/or died approximately 7 to 14 days later. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the spleen and lungs were the major sites of HHV-6B replication in this model, and this was corroborated by the detection of viral proteins in these organs. Histological analysis also revealed the presence of megakaryocytes, indicating HHV-6B infection. Multiplex analysis of cytokines/chemokines in sera from the infected mice showed secretions of human cytokines/chemokines as reported for both in vitro infection and clinical samples, indicating that the secreted cytokines could affect pathogenesis. This is the first animal model showing HHV-6B pathogenesis, and it will be useful for elucidating the pathogenicity of HHV-6B, which is related to GVHD and idiopathic pneumonia syndrome.IMPORTANCE Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is a ubiquitous virus that establishes lifelong latent infection only in humans, and the infection can reactivate, with severe complications that cause major problems. A small-animal model of HHV-6B infection has thus been desired for research regarding the pathogenicity of HHV-6B and the development of antiviral agents. We generated humanized mice by transplantation with human hematopoietic stem cells, and here, we modified the model by providing an additional transfer of human mononuclear cells, providing the proper conditions for efficient HHV-6B infection. This is the first humanized mouse model to mimic HHV-6B pathogenesis, and it has great potential for research into the in vivo pathogenesis of HHV-6B.

A Critical Review of Animal Models Used in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pathophysiology

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most frequent, complex, and heterogeneous hematological malignancies. AML prognosis largely depends on acquired cytogenetic, epigenetic, and molecular abnormalities. Despite the improvement in understanding the biology of AML, survival rates remain quite low. Animal models offer a valuable tool to recapitulate different AML subtypes, and to assess the potential role of novel and known mutations in disease progression. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of select available AML animal models. These include the non-mammalian Zebrafish and Drosophila models as well as the mammalian rodent systems, comprising rats and mice. The suitability of each animal model, its contribution to the advancement of knowledge in AML pathophysiology and treatment, as well as its advantages and limitations are discussed. Despite some limitations, animal models represent a powerful approach to assess toxicity, and permit the design of new therapeutic strategies.

Human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a peptides do not reliably suppress anti-HPA-1a responses using a humanized severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) occurs most frequently when human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a-positive fetal platelets are destroyed by maternal HPA-1a immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies. Pregnancies at risk are treated by administration of high-dose intravenous Ig (IVIG) to women, but this is expensive and often not well tolerated. Peptide immunotherapy may be effective for ameliorating some allergic and autoimmune diseases. The HPA-1a/1b polymorphism is Leu/Pro33 on β3 integrin (CD61), and the anti-HPA-1a response is restricted to HPA-1b1b and HLA-DRB3*0101-positive pregnant women with an HPA-1a-positive fetus. We investigated whether or not HPA-1a antigen-specific peptides that formed the T cell epitope could reduce IgG anti-HPA-1a responses, using a mouse model we had developed previously. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in blood donations from HPA-1a-immunized women were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with peptides and HPA-1a-positive platelets. Human anti-HPA-1a in murine plasma was quantitated at intervals up to 15 weeks. HPA-1a-specific T cells in PBMC were identified by proliferation assays. Using PBMC of three donors who had little T cell reactivity to HPA-1a peptides in vitro, stimulation of anti-HPA-1a responses by these peptides occurred in vivo. However, with a second donation from one of these women which, uniquely, had high HPA-1a-specific T cell proliferation in vitro, marked suppression of the anti-HPA-1a response by HPA-1a peptides occurred in vivo. HPA-1a peptide immunotherapy in this model depended upon reactivation of HPA-1a T cell responses in the donor. For FNAIT, we suggest that administration of antigen-specific peptides to pregnant women might cause either enhancement or reduction of pathogenic antibodies.

In vivo depletion of lymphotoxin-alpha expressing lymphocytes inhibits xenogeneic graft-versus-host-disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major barrier to successful allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and is largely mediated by activated donor lymphocytes. Lymphotoxin (LT)-α is expressed by subsets of activated T and B cells, and studies in preclinical models demonstrated that targeted depletion of these cells with a mouse anti-LT-α monoclonal antibody (mAb) was efficacious in inhibiting inflammation and autoimmune disease. Here we demonstrate that LT-α is also upregulated on activated human donor lymphocytes in a xenogeneic model of GVHD and targeted depletion of these donor cells ameliorated GVHD. A depleting humanized anti-LT-α mAb, designated MLTA3698A, was generated that specifically binds to LT-α in both the soluble and membrane-bound forms, and elicits antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity in vitro. Using a human peripheral blood mononuclear cell transplanted SCID (Hu-SCID) mouse model of GVHD, the anti-human LT-α mAb specifically depleted activated LT-expressing human donor T and B cells, resulting in prolonged survival of the mice. A mutation in the Fc region, rendering the mAb incapable of mediating ADCC, abolished all in vitro and in vivo effects. These data support a role for using a depleting anti-LT-α antibody in treating immune diseases such as GVHD and autoimmune diseases.

Human peripheral blood CD4 T cell-engrafted non-obese diabetic-scid IL2rγ(null) H2-Ab1 (tm1Gru) Tg (human leucocyte antigen D-related 4) mice: a mouse model of human allogeneic graft-versus-host disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a life-threatening complication of human allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Non-obese diabetic (NOD)-scid IL2rγ(null) (NSG) mice injected with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) engraft at high levels and develop a robust xenogeneic (xeno)-GVHD, which reproduces many aspects of the clinical disease. Here we show that enriched and purified human CD4 T cells engraft readily in NSG mice and mediate xeno-GVHD, although with slower kinetics compared to injection of whole PBMC. Moreover, purified human CD4 T cells engraft but do not induce a GVHD in NSG mice that lack murine MHC class II (NSG-H2-Ab1(tm1Gru), NSG-Ab°), demonstrating the importance of murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II in the CD4-mediated xeno-response. Injection of purified human CD4 T cells from a DR4-negative donor into a newly developed NSG mouse strain that expresses human leucocyte antigen D-related 4 (HLA-DR4) but not murine class II (NSG-Ab° DR4) induces an allogeneic GVHD characterized by weight loss, fur loss, infiltration of human cells in skin, lung and liver and a high level of mortality. The ability of human CD4 T cells to mediate an allo-GVHD in NSG-Ab° DR4 mice suggests that this model will be useful to investigate acute allo-GVHD pathogenesis and to evaluate human specific therapies.

Improved T and B cell recovery by the transfer of slowly dividing human hematopoietic stem cells

Human hematopoietic stem cells giving rise to long term initiating cells in vitro are enriched in a CD34(+) slow dividing fraction (SDF). Here, we tested reconstitution and multilineage differentiation of this CD34(+) SDF in NOD/SCID mice. In the bone marrow a slightly higher percentage of human hematopoietic progenitors were recovered after the transfer of the SDF compared to the fast dividing fraction. Instead, T cell maturation in the rudimentary thymus and lymph node repopulation was only initiated by the SDF. The capacity of the SDF to differentiate and mature in the patients' thymus could provide an advantage in immunocompetence recovery.

Human peripheral blood leucocyte non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain gene mouse model of xenogeneic graft-versus-host-like disease and the role of host major histocompatibility complex

Immunodeficient non-obese diabetic (NOD)-severe combined immune-deficient (scid) mice bearing a targeted mutation in the gene encoding the interleukin (IL)-2 receptor gamma chain gene (IL2rgamma(null)) engraft readily with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Here, we report a robust model of xenogeneic graft-versus-host-like disease (GVHD) based on intravenous injection of human PBMC into 2 Gy conditioned NOD-scid IL2rgamma(null) mice. These mice develop xenogeneic GVHD consistently (100%) following injection of as few as 5 x 10(6) PBMC, regardless of the PBMC donor used. As in human disease, the development of xenogeneic GVHD is highly dependent on expression of host major histocompatibility complex class I and class II molecules and is associated with severely depressed haematopoiesis. Interrupting the tumour necrosis factor-alpha signalling cascade with etanercept, a therapeutic drug in clinical trials for the treatment of human GVHD, delays the onset and progression of disease. This model now provides the opportunity to investigate in vivo mechanisms of xenogeneic GVHD as well as to assess the efficacy of therapeutic agents rapidly.

Circulating blood monocytes traffic to and participate in the periprosthetic tissue inflammation

OBJECTIVE

To examine the trafficking of human circulating blood monocytes and their influence on the inflammation of periprosthetic tissues using a novel mouse-human chimera model.

METHODS

Periprosthetic tissue and bone chips from patients with aseptic prosthetic loosening were implanted into the muscles of immune-deficient SCID mice depleted of host macrophages by periodic intraperitoneal injection of anti-asialo GM1 rabbit sera (ASGM1). Autologous patient peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) were labeled with PKH2 fluorescent dye and injected intraperitoneally into the implanted animals. Mice were sacrificed 14 days after PBMC transfusion for molecular and histological analyses.

RESULTS

Patient periprosthetic tissues were well tolerated in SCID mice and preserved a high level of viability. Cell trafficking studies revealed the accumulation of fluorescent PBMC within the xenografts, with total cell counts in the xenografts significantly increased following the systemic PBMC infusion. PBMC infusion also promoted the expression of IL-1, IL-6, TNFalpha, and RANK within the periprosthetic tissue.

CONCLUSION

Systemic PBMC migrated to the implanted periprosthetic tissues and contributed to the local inflammation. The data provide evidence that circulating blood monocytes may play a role in pathologic process during aseptic loosening of total joint replacement.

Antibody to the dendritic cell surface activation antigen CD83 prevents acute graft-versus-host disease

Allogeneic (allo) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective therapy for hematological malignancies but it is limited by acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Dendritic cells (DC) play a major role in the allo T cell stimulation causing GVHD. Current immunosuppressive measures to control GVHD target T cells but compromise posttransplant immunity in the patient, particularly to cytomegalovirus (CMV) and residual malignant cells. We showed that treatment of allo mixed lymphocyte cultures with activated human DC-depleting CD83 antibody suppressed alloproliferation but preserved T cell numbers, including those specific for CMV. We also tested CD83 antibody in the human T cell-dependent peripheral blood mononuclear cell transplanted SCID (hu-SCID) mouse model of GVHD. We showed that this model requires human DC and that CD83 antibody treatment prevented GVHD but, unlike conventional immunosuppressants, did not prevent engraftment of human T cells, including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responsive to viruses and malignant cells. Immunization of CD83 antibody-treated hu-SCID mice with irradiated human leukemic cell lines induced allo antileukemic CTL effectors in vivo that lysed (51)Cr-labeled leukemic target cells in vitro without further stimulation. Antibodies that target activated DC are a promising new therapeutic approach to the control of GVHD.

Mouse models with human immunity and their application in biomedical research

Biomedical research in human beings is largely restricted to in vitro studies that lack complexity of a living organism. To overcome this limitation, humanized mouse models are developed based on immunodeficient characteristics of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) or recombination activating gene (Rag)(null) mice, which can accept xenografts. Peripheral constitution of human immunity in SCID or Rag(null) mice has been achieved by transplantation of mature human immune cells, foetal human thymus, bone marrow, liver tissues, lymph nodes or a combination of these, although efficiency needs to be improved. These mouse models with constituted human immunity (defined as humanized mice in the present text) have been widely used to investigate the basic principles of human immunobiology as well as complex pathomechanisms and potential therapies of human diseases. Here, elements of an ideal humanized mouse model are highlighted including genetic and non-genetic modification of recipient mice, transplantation strategies and proposals to improve engraftments. The applications of the humanized mice to study the development and response of human immune cells, human autoimmune diseases, virus infections, transplantation biology and tumour biology are reviewed as well.

The use of rodent models to investigate host-bacteria interactions related to periodontal diseases

Even though animal models have limitations, they are often superior to in vitro or clinical studies in addressing mechanistic questions and serve as an essential link between hypotheses and human patients. Periodontal disease can be viewed as a process that involves four major stages: bacterial colonization, invasion, induction of a destructive host response in connective tissue and a repair process that reduces the extent of tissue breakdown. Animal studies should be evaluated in terms of their capacity to test specific hypotheses rather than their fidelity to all aspects of periodontal disease initiation and progression. Thus, each of the models described below can be adapted to test discrete components of these four major steps, but not all of them. This review describes five different animal models that are appropriate for examining components of host-bacteria interactions that can lead to breakdown of hard and soft connective tissue or conditions that limit its repair as follows: the mouse calvarial model, murine oral gavage models with or without adoptive transfer of human lymphocytes, rat ligature model and rat Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans feeding model.

Humanized SCID mouse models for biomedical research

There is a growing need for effective animal models to carry out experimental studies on human hematopoietic and immune systems without putting individuals at risk. Progress in development of small animal models for the in vivo investigation of human hematopoiesis and immunity has seen three major breakthroughs over the last three decades. First, CB 17-Prkdc(scid) (abbreviated CB 17-scid) mice were discovered in 1983, and engraftment of these mice with human fetal tissues (SCID-Hu model) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Hu-PBL-SCID model) was reported in 1988. Second, NOD-scid mice were developed and their enhanced ability to engraft with human hematolymphoid tissues as compared with CB17-scid mice was reported in 1995. NOD-scid mice have been the "gold standard" for studies of human hematolymphoid engraftment in small animal models over the last 10 years. Third, immunodeficient mice bearing a targeted mutation in the IL-2 receptor common gamma chain (IL2rgamma(null)) were developed independently by four groups between 2002 and 2005, and a major increase in the engraftment and function of human hematolymphoid cells as compared with NOD-scid mice has been reported. These new strains of immunodeficient IL2rgamma(null) mice are now being used for studies in human hematopoiesis, innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. In this chapter, we discuss the current state of development of these strains of mice, the remaining deficiencies, and how approaches used to increase the engraftment and function of human hematolymphoid cells in CB 17-scid mice and in previous models based on NOD-scid mice may enhance human hematolymphoid engraftment and function in NOD-scid IL2rgamma(null) mice.

Factors affecting human T cell engraftment, trafficking, and associated xenogeneic graft-vs-host disease in NOD/SCID beta2mnull mice

OBJECTIVE

Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Models of immunodeficient mice that consistently and efficiently reconstitute with xenoreactive human T cells would be a valuable tool for the in vivo study of GVHD, as well as other human immune responses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed a consistent and sensitive model of human GVHD by retro-orbitally injecting purified human T cells into sublethally irradiated nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID)-beta2m(null) recipients. In addition, we characterized for the first time the trafficking patterns and expansion profiles of xenoreactive human T cells in NOD/SCID-beta2m(null) recipients using in vivo bioluminescence imaging.

RESULTS

All NOD/SCID-beta2m(null) mice conditioned with 300 cGy total body irradiation and injected with 1 x 10(7) human T cells exhibited human T-cell engraftment, activation, and expansion, with infiltration of multiple target tissues and a subsequent >20% loss of pretransplantation body weight. Importantly, histological examination of the GVHD target tissues revealed changes consistent with human GVHD. Furthermore, we also showed by in vivo bioluminescence imaging that development of lethal GVHD in the NOD/SCID-beta2m(null) recipients was dependent upon the initial retention and early expansion of human T cells in the retro-orbital sinus cavity.

CONCLUSION

Our NOD/SCID-beta2m(null) mouse model provides a system to study the pathophysiology of acute GVHD induced by human T cells and aids in development of more effective therapies for human GVHD.

Selective targeting and potent control of tumor growth using an EphA2/CD3-Bispecific single-chain antibody construct

The EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase is frequently overexpressed and functionally altered in malignant cells and thus provides opportunities for selective targeting of tumor cells. We describe here the development of a novel, bispecific single-chain antibody (bscAb) referred to as bscEphA2xCD3. This molecule simultaneously targets EphA2 on tumor cells and the T-cell receptor/CD3 complex on T cells and possesses structural and functional characteristics of the recently developed BiTE technology. An EphA2-specific single-chain antibody was selected for recognition of an epitope that is preferentially exposed on malignant cells based on the concept of epitope exclusion; this was fused to a CD3-specific single-chain antibody to generate bscEphA2xCD3. The resultant bscAb redirected unstimulated human T cells to lyse EphA2-expressing tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. In separate experiments, efficient tumor cell lysis was achieved in vitro at drug concentrations <or=1 microg/mL, at a low T-cell effector-to-tumor target cell ratio (1:1), and with tumor cells that possess few available binding sites (2,400 per cell) for bscEphA2xCD3. Time-lapsed microscopy revealed potent cytotoxic activity of bscEphA2xCD3-activated T cells against monolayers of malignant cells but not against monolayers of nontransformed EphA2-positive cells except at the edges of the monolayer where the target epitope was exposed. BscEphA2xCD3 was also efficacious in human xenograft mouse models modified to show human T-cell killing of tumors. Together, our results reveal opportunities for redirecting the potent activity of cytotoxic T cells towards tumor cells that express selectively accessible epitopes and establish EphA2-specific bscAb molecules as novel and potent therapeutics with selectivity for tumor cells.

Human interleukin-15 improves engraftment of human T cells in NOD-SCID mice

Human nonobese diabetic-severe combined immune deficiency (NOD-SCID) mouse chimeras have been widely used as an in vivo model to assess human immune function. However, only a small fraction of transferred human T lymphocytes can be detected in human peripheral blood lymphocyte (huPBL)-NOD-SCID chimeras. To improve the reconstitution of human T lymphocytes in NOD-SCID mice, the use of recombinant human interleukin-15 (rhIL-15) as a stimulator of human lymphocytes was explored. Administration of rhIL-15 after transplantation of huPBLs into NOD-SCID mice increased reconstitution of human T lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner, with an optimal dosage of 1 microg/mouse. The number of human T lymphocytes (HLA-ABC+ CD3+) in the lymphoid organs or tissue of rhIL-15-treated huPBL-NOD-SCID mice increased 11- to 80-fold, and phytohemagglutinin-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production were significantly enhanced. Additionally, although mature human cells have not been thought to enter the murine thymus, human T lymphocytes were detected in the huPBL-NOD-SCID thymus after rhIL-15 treatment. Thus, rhIL-15 can be used to optimize long-term peripheral T-cell engraftment in these human-mouse chimeras and may also be useful in clinical treatment of T-cell deficiencies.

Animal models of acute myelogenous leukaemia - development, application and future perspectives

From the early inception of the transplant models through to contemporary genetic and xenograft models, evolution of murine leukaemic model systems have been critical to our general comprehension and treatment of cancer, and, more specifically, disease states such as acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). However, even with modern advances in therapeutics and molecular diagnostics, the majority of AML patients die from their disease. Thus, in the absence of definitive in vitro models which precisely recapitulate the in vivo setting of human AMLs and failure of significant numbers of new drugs late in clinical trials, it is essential that murine AML models are developed to exploit more specific, targeted therapeutics. While various model systems are described and discussed in the literature from initial transplant models such as BNML and spontaneous murine leukaemia virus models, to the more definitive genetic and clinically significant NOD/SCID xenograft models, there exists no single compendium which directly assesses, reviews or compares the relevance of these models. Thus, the function of this article is to provide clinicians and experimentalists a chronological, comprehensive appraisal of all AML model systems, critical discussion on the elucidation of their roles in our understanding of AML and consideration to their efficacy in the development of AML chemotherapeutics.

Human tonsil implants xenotransplanted in SCID mice display broad lymphocytic diversity and cellular activation profile similar to those in the original lymphoid organ

BACKGROUND

Models consisting of human immune cells in suspension transferred to severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice have been invaluable for studying immune response, autoimmunity, and lymphomagenesis. The dissemination of human cells within the mouse body hampers immune functionality with time and favorites the development of human graft vs. mouse host (GvH) disease. To circumvent these limitations we surgically implanted tonsil pieces subcutaneously in SCID animals (hu-ton-SCID mice). Recall humoral responses was elicited and animals did not suffer from signs of GvH disease. A detailed cell subset and cell activation analysis of implants has not yet been reported.

METHODS

Implants from 86 hu-ton-SCID mice were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analyses to assess human lymphoid cell subpopulation surviving with time after implantation, and to evaluate status of human cell activation.

RESULTS

B cells persist over 3 months in implants. The proportion of class and type-specific Ig+ cells varied between implants, but as a whole IgG+ cells were more abundant than IgA+, and IgM+ cells, and kappa+ cells predominated over lambda+ cells. The mean proportions of these cells resemble those in the original tonsil. Fine analysis of CD19+ B cells demonstrated no expansion of activated (CD5+, CD23+, CD69+) B cells in implants compared with tonsils, and a decrease of CD19+CD77+ B cells corresponding to a centroblastic phenotype, which is consistent with the disappearance of follicular structure in implants. Double positive CD20+CD27+ memory B cells were detected in implants by immunohistochemistry. T cell CD4+CD8-/CD4-CD8+ ratios were about 4 in implants, that is similar to those in tonsils, and there was no expansion of CD3+CD4+CD8+ and of CD3+CD4-CD8- T-cell subpopulations. T cells activation markers (CD25, CD69) were similarly expressed in implants and tonsils, and implants contained cells with a memory T cell phenotype (CD45RO). Finally cells within implants depicted a low rate of proliferation when assessed by Ki-67 expression levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with original tonsils, tonsil implants in hu-ton-SCID mice lose the germinal center architecture, which is correlated with the decrease of CD77+ B cells, but conserve T and B cell subpopulation diversity, notably memory cells. In addition, implant T and B cells are not differently activated when compared with those in original tonsils and do not proliferate extensively. These observations indicate indirectly absence of GvH reaction at the cellular level in this model. Collectively, the detailed implant cellular characterization in the hu-ton-SCID model provides a strong rationale for the use of this model in the study of human recall antibody response.

Rejection of human islets and human HLA-A2.1 transgenic mouse islets by alloreactive human lymphocytes in immunodeficient NOD-scid and NOD-Rag1nullPrf1null mice

Immunodeficient NOD mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used in two models of human islet allograft rejection. Model one: human PBMCs were engrafted into chemically diabetic NOD-scid mice bearing established subrenal human islet allografts. Inflammation and often complete islet allograft rejection were observed. Model 2 incorporated three key advances. First, we developed a new immunodeficient recipient, NOD-RagI(null)Prf1(null) mice. Second, graft-lymphocyte interactions were optimized by intrasplenic co-transplantation of islets and human PBMC. Third, NOD-scid islets expressing human HLA-A2.1 were used as allograft targets. Diabetic NOD-RagI(null)Prf1(null) recipients of HLA-A2.1 transgenic mouse islets, alone or co-engrafted with HLA-A2-positive human PBMC, exhibited durable graft survival and euglycemia. Contrastingly, co-transplantation with HLA-A2-negative human PBMC led to islet graft rejection without evidence of graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD). We propose that diabetic NOD-RagI(null)Prf1(null) mice co-engrafted with HLA-A2 mouse transgenic islets and allogeneic human PBMC provide an effective in vivo model of human islet allograft rejection.

NOD/SCID mice engrafted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes can be a model for investigating B cells responding to blood group A carbohydrate determinant

Human antibodies (Abs) against blood group A or B carbohydrate determinant are a major barrier to ABO-incompatible organ transplantation; however, the phenotype and other properties of B cell types responding to A or B carbohydrate epitopes have not been defined. Studies here, which use fluorescein-labeled synthetic A determinant (GalNAcalpha1-3Fucalpha1-2Gal), demonstrate that B cells bearing surface IgM (sIgM) receptors recognizing blood group A carbohydrate determinant are found exclusively in a small B cell subpopulation, i.e. sIgM+ CD11b+ CD5+ B1 cells, in blood group O human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In order to test anti-A Abs producing capacity of the human PBMC, nonobese diabetic (NOD)/severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mice that have been treated with rabbit anti-asialo GM1 serum to deplete natural killer cells and with 3 Gy of whole body irradiation were engrafted with blood group O or A human PBMC, followed by sensitization of human blood group A red blood cells. Anti-A-specific human Abs were detected in the sera of the mice that received blood group O human PBMC, whereas they were not detected in the sera of the mice that received blood group A human PBMC, indicating profound tolerance of auto-reactive B cells. The human PBMC-NOD/SCID chimera developed by injection of blood group O human PBMC might be a useful in vivo model to test effects of immunosuppressants or other approaches on human B cells that respond to blood group A antigens.

Defucosylated Chimeric Anti-CC Chemokine Receptor 4 IgG1 with Enhanced Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Shows Potent Therapeutic Activity to T-Cell Leukemia and Lymphoma

Human IgG1 antibodies with low fucose contents in their asparagine-linked oligosaccharides have been shown recently to exhibit potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. To additionally investigate the efficacy of the human IgG1 with enhanced ADCC, we generated the defucosylated chimeric anti-CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) IgG1 antibody KM2760. KM2760 exhibited much higher ADCC using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as effector cells compared with the highly fucosylated, but otherwise identical IgG1, KM3060. In addition, KM2760 also exhibited potent ADCC in the presence of lower concentrations of human PBMCs than KM3060. Because CCR4 is a selective marker of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, the effectiveness of KM2760 for T-cell malignancy was evaluated in several mouse models. First, to compare the antitumor activity of KM2760 and KM3060, we constructed a human PBMC-engrafted mouse model to determine ADCC efficacy with human effector cells. In this model, KM2760 showed significantly higher antitumor efficacy than KM3060, indicating that KM2760 retains its high potency in vivo. Second, KM2760 suppressed tumor growth in both syngeneic and xenograft mouse models in which human PBMCs were not engrafted. Although murine effector cells exhibited marginal ADCC mediated by KM2760 and KM3060, KM2760 unexpectedly showed higher efficacy than KM3060 in a syngeneic mouse model, suggesting that KM2760 functions in murine effector system in vivo via an unknown mechanism that differs from that in human. These results indicate that defucosylated antibodies with enhanced ADCC as well as potent antitumor activity in vivo are promising candidates for the novel antibody-based therapy.

Cetacean-reconstituted severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice respond to vaccination with canine distemper vaccine

Morbillivirus infections have been responsible for mass mortalities in several species of marine mammals. Nevertheless, relatively little is known on the pathogenesis of the disease and the immune response to the agent, especially in cetaceans, hindering the treatment of individuals and the development of appropriate vaccines, given the difficulty of performing experimental work in marine mammals. The reconstitution of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, which do not have the ability to reject grafts, with lymphocytes from different species has been used with increasing success as a surrogate species model to study the immune system. We injected NOD/SCID mice with lymphocytes from different species of cetaceans and further vaccinated those mice with a commercial canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine to develop a practical model to study cetacean immune response to a morbillivirus. Reconstitution was detected in 10/20 mice reconstituted with harbor porpoise spleen, 6/10 mice reconstituted with harbor porpoise lymph node cells, 8/10 mice reconstituted with fresh beluga PBMCs and none of the mice reconstituted with neonate bottlenose dolphin spleen or thymus cells when assessed 42-63 days after reconstitution. While a humoral immune response was detected in none of the reconstituted mice, a cell-mediated immune response to the CDV vaccine was detected in 6/15 (40%) and 2/18 (11%) of the SCID mice after reconstitution with cetacean immune cells after a single or booster vaccination, respectively, for a combined total of 8/33 (24%). This represents the first demonstration of successful reconstitution of SCID mice with marine mammal cells, and to the authors' knowledge, the first direct demonstration of a primary antigen-specific cell-mediated immune response in reconstituted SCID mice. This model will be useful for further research on the physiology of the marine mammal immune system and its response to infectious agents and vaccines, with possible important outcomes in conservation issues.

A new xenograft model for graft-versus-host disease by intravenous transfer of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in RAG2-/- gammac-/- double-mutant mice

The safe application of new strategies for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is hampered by the lack of a clinically relevant model for preclinical testing. Current models are based on intraperitoneal transfer of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (huPBMCs) into NOD-SCID (nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficient)/SCID mice. Intravenous transfer would be preferred but this has always been ineffective. We developed a new model for xenogeneic GVHD (X-GVHD) by intravenous transfer of huPBMCs into RAG2-/- gammac-/-mice. Our results show a high human T-cell chimerism of more than 20% (up to 98%) in more than 90% of mice, associated with a consistent development of XGVHD within 14 to 28 days and a total mortality rate of 85% shorter than 2 months. After murine macrophage depletion, engraftment was earlier and equally high with lower doses of huPBMCs. Human macrophages were also absent in these mice. Purified huCD3+ cells showed a similar X-GVH effect with contribution of both CD4 and CD8 phenotypes. Human immunoglobulins and cytokines were produced in diseased mice. One of 30 mice developed chronic X-GVHD with skin histology similar to human GVHD. In conclusion, we present a new model for X-GVHD by intravenous transfer of huPBMCs in RAG2-/- gammac-/- mice. Murine and human macrophages do not seem to be necessary for acute X-GVHD in this model.

Erythrocyte-replaced mouse model for Haemoparasite studies: comparison of NOD/shi-scid and C.B-17/Jcl-scid mouse upon acceptability of human erythrocytes

The erythrocyte-exchanged chimera mouse model has become to be a significant tool for studying animal and human (hu) protozoan haemoparasites, though the usefulness of this model varies depending primarily on the acceptability of xenogeneic red blood cells (RBC). To find a superior recipient in comparison with C.B-17/Jcl mouse with severe combined immuno-deficiency (scid) mutation, we examined in this report the non-obese diabetes (NOD)/shi-scid mouse, a recently available strain of SCID. When 2.5 x 10(8) of fluorescent dye-labeled hu-RBCs were transfused, C.B-17scid mouse eliminated them logarithmically by a simple linear regression, while NOD-scid mouse eradicated hu-RBCs by a unique two-step fashion, i.e., a potent but only briefly functioning RBC eradication followed by a weak steadily functioning step. The means of regression line constance +/- their standard deviations (SD) of 205 C.B-17scid and of 213 NOD-scid mice for their short- and long-lasting steps were -0.73 +/- 0.63, -0.53 +/- 0.25 and -0.16 +/- 0.10, respectively. Hu-RBC half-lives determined from these means of C.B-17scid mice and of NOD-scid mice for the short- and long-living steps were 3.6, 4.9 and 16.3 hr, respectively. Higher hu-RBC acceptability of NOD-scid mouse, especially at their long-lasting step, was also demonstrated under at an activated state of mouse innate immunity. Treatment with 1.0 mg heat-killed Candida cells caused an acceleration of hu-RBC elimination in both mouse strains but the magnitudes for the short- and long-living steps of NOD-scid mice evaluated by "stimulation index" were only 1/2.6 and 1/7.6 of C.B-17scid mice, respectively.

Human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells produce IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha with an on/off/on cycling pattern in response to live bacterial products

Whereas cytokine production in alphabeta T cells is rapidly regulated by exposure to peptide Ag, the mechanisms regulating cytokine production by gammadelta T cells are unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that human Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells produce IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha as early as 2 h after Ag exposure, and that they produce these cytokines in a dose- and time- dependent manner in response to stimulation with a live bacterial product, iso-butylamine (IBA), but not to dead bacteria or LPS. gammadelta T cells began, ceased, and then resumed IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha generation in an on/off/on cycling pattern, both in vitro and in vivo, depending on the presence or absence of IBA. IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, whose optimum production was dependent on IBA-stimulated gammadelta T cells, were critical for monocyte-mediated killing of Escherichia coli. By limiting cytokine production to periods of direct contact with live bacteria, gammadelta T cells focus their resources at the site of infection, while limiting systemic immunopathology. Thus, human gammadelta T cells may mediate innate resistance to extracellular bacteria via tightly regulated cytokine production without necessarily expanding in number.

Antibacterial effect of human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells in vivo

V gamma 2V delta 2 cells, a class of T cells found only in primates, are reactive to nonpeptide organophosphate and alkylamine antigens secreted by bacteria and parasites. These cells make up 2-5% percent of human peripheral blood T cells but expand to make up 8-60% of peripheral blood T cells during bacterial and parasitic infections. We show here, using a chimeric severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse (hu-SCID) model, that human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells mediate resistance to extracellular gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Morganella morganii) bacteria, as assessed by survival, body weight, bacterial loads, and histopathology. Surprisingly, this bacterial resistance was evident 1 day after infection, and bacteria were cleared well before gamma delta T cell expansion was detected 6 days after infection. Decreased resistance in V delta 2 T cell-depleted hu-SCID mice correlated with decreased serum IFN-gamma titers. Intravenous treatment of infected, reconstituted hu-SCID mice with pamidronate, a human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cell-specific aminobisphosphonate antigen, markedly increased the in vivo antibacterial effect of V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells. Therefore, this large pool of antigen-specific, yet immediately reactive memory human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells is likely to be an important mediator of resistance against extracellular bacterial infection and may bridge the gap between innate and acquired immunity.

Human peripheral blood leukocyte engraftment into SCID mice: critical role of CD4(+) T cells

We examined the influence of donor T lymphocytes on human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) engraftment into severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice. Mice were injected with unfractionated or subset-depleted human PBL, and treated at various times with OKT3, a cytotoxic monoclonal antibody against human CD3(+) T lymphocytes. PBL engraftment, high levels of human Ig, and high incidence of lymphoproliferative disease (lpd) were found in mice transplanted with unfractionated PBL and CD8- or CD14-depleted PBL, and in mice treated with OKT3 at distance from PBL transfer. Animals xenografted with CD3- or CD4-depleted PBL, or treated at transplantation time with OKT3, had very low levels of human Ig and did not develop lpd. PBL engraftment was minimal or absent in these animals, as determined by immunohistochemistry, dot-blot, and RT-PCR analyses. These results demonstrate that the presence of donor CD4(+) T lymphocytes at transplantation time is necessary for observing human PBL engraftment into SCID mice, an essential condition for human Ig production and lpd development.

Human B cell growth and differentiation in the spleen of immunodeficient mice

Human mAbs (HumAbs) have therapeutic potential against infectious diseases and cancer. Heretofore, their production has been hampered by ethical constraints preventing the isolation of Ag-specific activated B cells by in vivo immunization. Alternatively, severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice, transplanted i.p. with human (Hu)-PBLs, allow the in vivo stimulation of human Ab responses without the usual constraints. Unfortunately, human B cells only represent a minor fraction of the surviving graft, they are scattered all over the animal body, and thus are hard to isolate for subsequent immortalization procedures. To prevent this dispersion and to provide the human B cells with a niche for expansion and maturation, SCID mice were engrafted with Hu-PBL directly into the spleen. Simultaneously endogenous murine NK cell activity was depleted by treatment with an anti-mouse IL-2 receptor beta-chain Ab. During engraftment, human B lymphocytes became activated, divided intensely, and differentiated into plasmacytoid cells. In vivo exposure to a recall Ag after cell transfer induced expansion of Ag-specific B cell clones. One week after inoculation, human B cells were abundant in the spleen and could easily be recovered for fusion with a heteromyeloma line. This resulted in the formation of stable hybridoma cell lines that secreted Ag-specific HumAbs. Thus transplantation of human lymphoid cells in the spleens of immune deficient mice represents a model for the study of human T cell-dependent B cell activation and proves to be an excellent tool for the successful production of HumAbs.

Distribution of parasite stages in tissues of Toxoplasma gondii infected SCID mice and human peripheral blood lymphocyte-transplanted SCID mice

The establishment of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the tissues of SCID mice and SCID mice transplanted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was investigated. The presence of bradyzoites and tachyzoites was analysed in hu-PBL SCID mice using Southern blot of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction products for the expression of B1, BAG1 and SAG1 of T. gondii. BAG1 was present by week 1 in brain, lung, liver and spleen of some animals; by week 3, BAG1 was present in all animals and in all of these tissues. In contrast, SAG1 was rarely detected until week 2 (mainly in the lung and brain) and by week 3, some animals still did not have detectable SAG1 in brain, lung, liver and spleen. SAG1 expression was increased in the lungs of animals transplanted with human PBL compared to nontransplanted SCID mice. Human PBL engraftment was demonstrated, initially in uninfected mice, by the presence of human CD3+ T cells in the spleen (3.1 x 10(5) positive cells) and peritoneal cavity (3.4 x 10(5) cells) 4 weeks after transplantation. The final outcome of infection was not influenced by the presence of human PBL, with similar mortality in human PBL transplanted and nontransplanted mice. These studies provide a detailed analysis of the kinetics and distribution of both the cyst and tachyzoite stage of T. gondii. This system has been established to allow evaluation of therapies against T. gondii immunodeficient mice in the presence of human immune cells.

Efficient generation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-neutralizing human MoAbs via human peripheral blood lymphocyte (hu-PBL)-SCID mice and scFv phage display libraries

RSV is one of the major causes of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children and is associated with high mortality. RSV neutralizing human antibody (hu-Ab) is known to mediate resistance to viral infection as well as to be an effective treatment for severe lower respiratory tract RSV infection. We have previously demonstrated that human primary and secondary immune responses can be established in severe combined immunodeficient mice engrafted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hu-PBL-SCID). By combining this animal model with the single-chain Fv antibody (scFv) phage display library technique, we were able to investigate further its clinical potential by generating a panel of human scFvs that exhibit both high F glycoprotein (RSV-F) binding affinities ( approximately 108 M(-1)) and strong neutralizing activities against RSV infection in vitro. Sequencing analysis of the randomly isolated anti-RSV-F scFv clones revealed that they were derived from different VH families with mutations in the complementarity-determining region 1 (CDR1). The results suggest that: (i) RSV-F-specific human immune responses and affinity maturation can be induced in hu-PBL-SCID mice; and (ii) this approach can be applied to generate large numbers of human scFvs with therapeutic potential. Despite the fact that hu-PBL-SCID mouse and human scFv phage display library have individually been established, our approach contributes a simple and significant step toward the generalization of antigen-specific human monoclonal antibody (hu-MoAb) production and their clinical applications.

Antigen-specific T cell responses in human peripheral blood leucocyte (hu-PBL)-mouse chimera conditioned with radiation and an antibody directed against the mouse IL-2 receptor beta-chain

A weakness of the hu-PBL-SCID model for the study of human immune functions is the appearance of anergy and the consequent loss of T cell function. We demonstrate here that human T cells retain normal functions during the early stage of chimerism. At 1 and 2 weeks post-engraftment, T cells isolated from the peritoneal cavity of hu-PBL chimeras could be activated and proliferated upon stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or specific antigens to which the cell donor was known to be immune. T cells derived from hu-PBL-SCID and hu-PBL-NOD/LtSz-scid (NOD/SCID) mice not only proliferated but also produced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-5 following in vitro stimulation with tetanus toxoid (TT) or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). These antigen-specific T cells could only be demonstrated when cognate antigen was administered together with or immediately following the PBL transfer. Without an early rechallenge with antigen in vivo, no TT- or HBsAg-specific T cell responses could be elicited, showing the vulnerability and antigen-dependence of the T cell response. Vigorous anti-TT or anti-HBs responses could be observed in all chimeras. Administration of antigen together with the PBL graft enhanced the humoral anti-TT response in SCID and NOD/SCID mice but had little effect on the anti-HBs antibody response in NOD/SCID mice. These data confirm the observation that the B cell compartment in hu-PBL-SCID chimera is largely antigen-independent and extend this to SCID/NOD.

Islet xenograft destruction in the hu-PBL-severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse necessitates anti-CD3 preactivation of human immune cells

Introduction of the hu-PBL-SCID mouse model has yielded a potentially useful tool for research in transplantation. The aim of this study was to define the conditions necessary for a reconstituted human immune system to destroy in a consistent manner rat islet xenografts in the alloxan-diabetic hu-PBL-SCID mouse. We examined different time points of hu-PBL reconstitution, different transplantation sites of the islets and several hu-PBL reconstitution protocols. Major differences in graft destruction were observed between the different hu-PBL reconstitution protocols, irrespective of timing of hu-PBL reconstitution or site of transplantation. Although preactivation of hu-PBL did not improve the level of hu-PBL chimerism, histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the grafts revealed a severe human lymphocytic infiltration and beta cell destruction only in the grafts of mice receiving preactivated hu-PBL. This beta cell injury resulted in impaired glucose tolerance, with in some animals recurrence of hyperglycaemia, and decreased insulin and C-peptide levels after glucose stimulation. Therefore, we conclude that activation of hu-PBL prior to transfer is essential in achieving xenograft infiltration and destruction in hu-PBL-SCID mice. The need for immune manipulation suggests that interactions between hu-PBL and xenografts in this model may be hampered by incompatibilities in cross-species adhesion and/or activation signals.

Mouse strain and conditioning regimen determine survival and function of human leucocytes in immunodeficient mice

The innate immune system of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice represents an important barrier to the successful engraftment of human cells. Different genetic and pharmacological strategies improve the graft survival. Non-obese diabetic (NOD)-SCID mice are better hosts for reconstitution with human peripheral blood leucocytes (Hu-PBL) because of their reduced natural killer cell and macrophage activity next to defective T and B cell functions. We investigated effects of TM-beta1, a rat monoclonal antibody recognizing the mouse IL-2 receptor beta-chain, on Hu-PBL survival and function in NOD-SCID and SCID mice. Relative to untreated littermates, TM-beta1 improved Hu-PBL survival in SCID and NOD-SCID mice. Moreover, TM-beta1-pretreated NOD-SCID mice displayed significantly better Hu-PBL survival and tissue distribution than TM-beta1-pretreated SCID mice. Irradiation of NOD-SCID mice further enhanced the effects of TM-beta1. However, these animals died within 3 weeks post-grafting due to graft-versus-host disease. Secondary immune responses were evaluated with Hu-PBL from a donor immune to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). In TM-beta1-pretreated NOD-SCID mice, human HBsAg-specific memory B cells produced high titres of anti-HBsAg immunoglobulin irrespective of the administration of a secondary antigen booster dose. This contrasts with secondary immune responses in TM-beta1-pretreated SCID mice where high titred antigen-specific immunoglobulins were produced when the appropriate antigen booster was given. In conclusion, reducing the function of the innate immune system in immunodeficient mice improves survival of the human graft and can result in an activation of the memory B cells without the need for recall antigen exposure.

Visualizing the kinetics of tumor-cell clearance in living animals

Evaluation of potential antineoplastic therapies would be enhanced by noninvasive detection of tumor cells in living animals. Because light is transmitted through mammalian tissues, it was possible to use bioluminescence to monitor (both externally and quantitatively) growth and regression of labeled human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells engrafted into immunodeficient mice. The efficacy of both chemotherapy and immunotherapeutic treatment with ex vivo expanded human T cell-derived effector cells was evaluated. In the absence of therapy, animals showed progressive increases in signal intensity over time. Animals treated with cisplatin had marked reductions in tumor signal; 5'-fluorouracil was less effective, and cyclophosphamide was ineffective. Immunotherapy dramatically reduced signals at high effector-to-target cell ratios, and significant decreases were observed with lower ratios. This model system allowed sensitive, quantitative, real-time spatiotemporal analyses of the dynamics of neoplastic cell growth and facilitated rapid optimization of effective treatment regimens.

Noninvasive assessment of tumor cell proliferation in animal models

Revealing the mechanisms of neoplastic disease and enhancing our ability to intervene in these processes requires an increased understanding of cellular and molecular changes as they occur in intact living animal models. We have begun to address these needs by developing a method of labeling tumor cells through constitutive expression of an optical reporter gene, and noninvasively monitoring cellular proliferation in vivo using a sensitive photon detection system. A stable line of HeLa cells that expressed a modified firefly luciferase gene was generated, and proliferation of these cells in irradiated severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice was monitored. Tumor cells were introduced into animals via subcutaneous, intraperitoneal and intravenous inoculation and whole body images, that revealed tumor location and growth kinetics, were obtained. The number of photons that were emitted from the labeled tumor cells and transmitted through murine tissues was sufficient to detect 1x10(3) cells in the peritoneal cavity, 1x10(4) cells at subcutaneous sites and 1x10(6) circulating cells immediately following injection. The kinetics of cell proliferation, as measured by photon emission, was exponential in the peritoneal cavity and at subcutaneous sites. Intravenous inoculation resulted in detectable colonies of tumor cells in animals receiving more than 1x10(6) cells. Our demonstrated ability to detect small numbers of tumor cells in living animals noninvasively suggests that therapies designed to treat minimal disease states, as occur early in the disease course and after elimination of the tumor mass, may be monitored using this approach. Moreover, it may be possible to monitor micrometastases and evaluate the molecular steps in the metastatic process. Spatiotemporal analyses of neoplasia will improve the predictability of animal models of human disease as study groups can be followed over time, and this method will accelerate development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Enhanced human cell engraftment in mice deficient in RAG2 and the common cytokine receptor gamma chain

Xenotransplantation of human cells into immunodeficient mice has been used to develop models of human haemopoiesis and lymphoid cell function. However, the utility of existing mouse strains can be limited by shortened life-spans, spontaneous production of functional lymphocytes with ageing, and residual innate immunity leading to variable levels of engraftment. Mice with a deletion of the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gamma c) gene have reduced numbers of peripheral T and B lymphocytes, and absent natural killer cell (NK) activity. A genetic cross with a recombinase activating gene 2 (RAG2)-deficient strain produced mice doubly homozygous for the gamma c and RAG2 null alleles (gamma c-/RAG2-). These mice have a stable phenotype characterized by the absence of all T lymphocyte. B lymphocyte and NK cell function. Injection of human B-lymphoblastoid cells resulted in earlier fatal metastatic lymphoproliferative disease than in NOD/LtSz-scid controls. This was particularly evident in animals injected intravenously, possibly because of residual NK activity in NOD/LtSz-scid mice. Levels of engraftment with peripheral-blood-derived human lymphocytes were also increased and associated with higher CD4/CD8 ratios. These findings demonstrate that this new strain of immunodeficient mice has significant advantages over existing strains for engraftment of human cells, and may be useful for study of adoptive immunotherapy and novel therapies for GvHD and HIV infection.

Expansion of Philadelphia Chromosome–Negative CD3+CD56+ Cytotoxic Cells From Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients: In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease Mice

We have developed culture conditions for the efficient expansion of cytotoxic effector cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) by the timed addition of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) OKT3. These cells, termed cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, are composed primarily of T cells, and the population of cells with the greatest cytotoxic activity is an otherwise rare population of CD3+CD56+ cells that expand dramatically under these culture conditions. CIK cells were expanded from PBMNCs from 13 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These cultures contained a variable number of T cells at the start of the culture (median 44%, range 1% to 64%), yet after 21 to 28 days of culture, virtually all of the cells were CD3+ T cells (median 97%, range 90% to 99%). The CD3+CD56+subset of cells expanded significantly (median 25-fold, range 2.2- to 525-fold). CIK cells from all patients showed cytotoxicity against the tumor cell lines OCI-LY8 and K562. In four patients the expanded CIK cells suppressed colony growth of autologous CML blast cells and myeloid progenitor cells. Allogeneic CIK cells from normal donors also suppressed CML colony growth but did not inhibit growth of normal hematopoietic colonies. Twelve of the 13 cultures were exclusively composed of Philadelphia (Ph)-negative cells and one culture had 1 out of 20 Ph-positive metaphases after 4 weeks in culture. Intracellular cytokine production was assayed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), and the expanded T-cell cultures produced IL-2, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), but not IL-4. Both the CD4+ and CD8+ subsets secreted this cytokine profile. To test the in vivo activity of the expanded CIK cells, CML was engrafted into severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice using matrigel. After 4 weeks, 4 × 107autologous CIK cells were injected intravenously by tail vein injection into groups of mice, and the animals were sacrificed after a total of 18 weeks. Bcr-abl was detected in the bone marrow or spleen of 5 out of 6 control mice and only 2 out of 13 mice who received the autologous CIK cells (P = .02). In an additional series of animals, the mice did not engraft with CML but instead developed large human Epstein-Barr virus–associated lymphomas by 12 weeks. The mice who received autologous CIK cells at 4 weeks had either no tumor (5) or small tumors (5), whereas all 10 mice that received CIK cells at week 8 developed lymphomas; however, these were not as large as in the 10 control mice who did not receive CIK cells (P = .03). This study shows that CIK cells, which are Ph chromosome–negative, can be expanded from patients with CML and have potent in vitro and in vivo efficacy against autologous tumor cells.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Expansion of Philadelphia Chromosome–Negative CD3+CD56+ Cytotoxic Cells From Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients: In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease Mice

We have developed culture conditions for the efficient expansion of cytotoxic effector cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) by the timed addition of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) OKT3. These cells, termed cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, are composed primarily of T cells, and the population of cells with the greatest cytotoxic activity is an otherwise rare population of CD3+CD56+ cells that expand dramatically under these culture conditions. CIK cells were expanded from PBMNCs from 13 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These cultures contained a variable number of T cells at the start of the culture (median 44%, range 1% to 64%), yet after 21 to 28 days of culture, virtually all of the cells were CD3+ T cells (median 97%, range 90% to 99%). The CD3+CD56+subset of cells expanded significantly (median 25-fold, range 2.2- to 525-fold). CIK cells from all patients showed cytotoxicity against the tumor cell lines OCI-LY8 and K562. In four patients the expanded CIK cells suppressed colony growth of autologous CML blast cells and myeloid progenitor cells. Allogeneic CIK cells from normal donors also suppressed CML colony growth but did not inhibit growth of normal hematopoietic colonies. Twelve of the 13 cultures were exclusively composed of Philadelphia (Ph)-negative cells and one culture had 1 out of 20 Ph-positive metaphases after 4 weeks in culture. Intracellular cytokine production was assayed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), and the expanded T-cell cultures produced IL-2, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), but not IL-4. Both the CD4+ and CD8+ subsets secreted this cytokine profile. To test the in vivo activity of the expanded CIK cells, CML was engrafted into severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice using matrigel. After 4 weeks, 4 × 107autologous CIK cells were injected intravenously by tail vein injection into groups of mice, and the animals were sacrificed after a total of 18 weeks. Bcr-abl was detected in the bone marrow or spleen of 5 out of 6 control mice and only 2 out of 13 mice who received the autologous CIK cells (P = .02). In an additional series of animals, the mice did not engraft with CML but instead developed large human Epstein-Barr virus–associated lymphomas by 12 weeks. The mice who received autologous CIK cells at 4 weeks had either no tumor (5) or small tumors (5), whereas all 10 mice that received CIK cells at week 8 developed lymphomas; however, these were not as large as in the 10 control mice who did not receive CIK cells (P = .03). This study shows that CIK cells, which are Ph chromosome–negative, can be expanded from patients with CML and have potent in vitro and in vivo efficacy against autologous tumor cells.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Murine IL-2 receptor beta chain blockade improves human leukocyte engraftment in SCID mice

Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice accept human xenografts and can act as a model for human immune functions. Murine natural killer cells (NK), however, represent an important barrier for the reconstitution of SCID mice with human peripheral blood leukocytes (Hu-PBL). We investigated the effect on Hu-PBL survival of pretreatment with TM-beta1, a rat monoclonal antibody for the mouse IL-2 receptor beta chain. TM-beta1 greatly improved the survival of Hu-PBL. Human lymphocytes, predominantly T cells, survived in the peritoneum and infiltrated spleen and lungs already 1 week after engraftment and liver and thymus from 2 weeks on. Secondary humoral responses were evaluated with Hu-PBL from a donor immune to hepatitis-B surface Ag (HBsAg) and tetanus toxoid (TT). TM-beta1 pretreatment enhanced the recall Ig response to HBsAg and did not affect the baseline anti-TT Ig production. In conclusion, TM-beta1 pretreatment of SCID mice significantly improves the survival and functionality of the Hu-PBL graft.

Engraftment of chronic myeloid leukemia in SCID mice

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal disorder of primitive hematopoietic stem cells characterized by a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. Animal models of CML would be useful to study the biology and potential therapies in this disease. Mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) which will accept human xenografts have been useful in the study of a variety of human malignancies. CML has been difficult to establish in SCID mice possibly due to the lack of a functioning human stroma and relevant cytokines. To facilitate engraftment we injected cells in matrigel which is a soluble extract of basement membranes; is liquid below 22 degrees C and gels at 37 degrees C. CD34+ myeloid blast crisis cells (2 x 10(6)) were mixed in matrigel and injected subcutaneously into 10 SCID mice. All mice developed large tumours which spread to the mouse BM and spleen. However the percentage of human cells in the mouse BM and spleen was variable and ranged from 1 to 50 per cent. In contrast chronic phase (CP) CML cells mixed in matrigel did not form subcutaneous tumours and spread to the BM and spleen was detectable by PCR and not macroscopically. Groups of mice were injected with matrigel containing 1-20 x 10(7) MNC (2-20 x 10(5) CD34+ cells) from five patients with CP CMP. Bcr-abl sequences were detected by RT-PCR in the peripheral blood (PB) of 38/84 (45 per cent) mice at 3-10 weeks following injection of the CML cells but rarely at later time points. In addition, 33/75 (44 per cent) of mice sacrificed between 7 and 35 weeks following injection of CML cells were bcr/abl positive in the bone marrow and 17/70 (24 per cent) were positive in the spleen. Bcr-abl positive human CFU-GM colonies were also cultured from the murine bone marrow of several mice indicating that hematopoietic progenitor cells were able to migrate from the matrigel and engraft in murine hematopoietic organs. Engraftment of CP-CML was more successful in mice given higher numbers of CD34+ cells. Histological examination revealed that myeloid cells grow locally in the matrigel for several weeks, during which time the matrigel is infiltrated by blood vessels which may allow for the migration of CML progenitors to the murine bone marrow. This model system may be useful for studying the role of immunotherapy after allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation.

SCID mouse models of human stem cell engraftment

The discovery of the severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mouse mutation has provided a tool for establishment of small animal models as hosts for the in vivo analysis of normal and malignant human pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells. Intravenous injection of irradiated scid mice with human bone marrow, cord blood, or G-CSF cytokine-mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells, all rich in human hemopoietic stem cell activity, results in the engraftment of a human hemopoietic system in the murine recipient. This model has been used to identify a pluripotent stem cell, termed "scid-repopulating cell" (SRC) that is more primitive than any of the hemopoietic stem cell populations identified using the currently available in vitro methodology. In this review, we describe the development and use of this model system, termed Hu-SRC-SCID, and summarize the discoveries that have resulted from the investigation of human stem cells in this model. Finally, we detail the recent extension of the original Hu-SRC-SCID model system based on the C.B-17-scid mouse as the murine host to the Hu-SRC-NOD-SCID model based on the NOD-scid mouse as the host. The engraftment of human stem cells in the Hu-SRC-NOD-SCID model is enhanced over that observed in the Hu-SRC-SCID model and results in exceptionally high levels of human hemopoietic cells in the murine recipient. Future directions to further improve the Hu-SRC-NOD-SCID model system and the potential utility of this model in the preclinical and diagnostic arenas of hematology and oncology are discussed.

Enhanced engraftment of human peripheral blood lymphocytes into anti-murine interferon-gamma monoclonal antibody-treated C.B.-17-scid mice

To improve the engraftment of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, and to elucidate the factors which prevent the PBL's survival, we treated SCID mice with mAb, which neutralizes murine IFN-gamma's ability to activate cell-mediated immunity. Compared with untreated mice, mAb-treated mice retained significantly higher numbers and ratios of human PBL in the peritoneal cavity and spleen, as well as significantly higher serum titers of human IgG and IgM. Histologically, host versus graft reaction (HVGR) was less severe in the mAb-treated mice. Moreover, these phenomena were completely abrogated when mice were also treated with murine recombinant IFN-gamma. These results suggest that murine IFN-gamma plays an important role in the rejection of human cells in SCID mice and that its depletion by means of mAb treatment can significantly reduce HVGR and improve the engraftment of human PBL.

U937-SCID mouse xenografts: a new model for acute in vivo HIV-1 infection suitable to test antiviral strategies

In this study we attempted to develop a new xenochimeric model for HIV infection in SCID mice, characterized by an easy engraftment of target cells, high levels of viremia and long-lasting HIV-1 infection. SCID mice were injected subcutaneously with uninfected human U937 cells and cell-free HIV-1 (IIIB strain) or HIV-1-infected human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Mice were evaluated for tumor growth, viral infection at the tumor level (DNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), RNA-PCR) and immunostaining for the p55/p18 HIV protein) and p24 antigenemia or serum HIV-1 RNA copies. Pretreatment of mice with antibodies to either mouse-IFN alpha/beta or granulocytes resulted in a tumor take and levels of p24 antigenemia higher than in control mice. In mice treated with these antibody preparations, there was a long-lasting HIV infection with the presence of high levels of circulating infectious virus (serum p24 values up to 4000 pg/ml and serum RNA copies up to 5 x 10(7)/ml over 3 months, with the majority of the cells expressing HIV-antigens at the tumor site). Intraperitoneal treatment of SCID mice with AZT (480 mg/kg per day) resulted in a complete inhibition of both p24 and RNA HIV-1 copies in the serum, together with a marked reduction in the number of infected cells and the levels of virus expression at the tumor site. We conclude that some specific features of this model (i.e. easy establishment, high reproducibility, well defined kinetics of virus infection, massive and long persistent viremia) underline the special advantages of its use for testing new antiviral therapies.