Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
11:04
The Citrobacter rodentium Mouse Model: Studying Pathogen and Host Contributions to Infectious Colitis
Published on: February 19, 2013
The C3H/HeJBir mouse model: a high susceptibility phenotype for colitis
C O Elson1, Y Cong, J Sundberg
1Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-0007, USA.
International Reviews of Immunology
|March 21, 2000
Summary
C3H/HeJBir mice develop spontaneous colitis due to heightened immune responses to gut bacteria. Environmental and genetic factors influence this inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Background:
- C3H/HeJBir mice are selectively bred for spontaneous colitis.
- This mouse model exhibits heightened B cell and T cell reactivity to enteric bacterial antigens.
- The development of colitis is influenced by housing conditions and enteric flora.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic and environmental factors contributing to spontaneous colitis in C3H/HeJBir mice.
- To understand the role of immune cell reactivity in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Main Methods:
- Selective breeding of mice for spontaneous colitis phenotype.
- Assessment of T cell and B cell reactivity to enteric bacterial antigens.
- Transfer of activated CD4+ T cells to severe combined immunodeficient recipients.
- Mapping of susceptibility genes for colitis.
Main Results:
- C3H/HeJBir mice exhibit spontaneous colitis.
- CD4+ T cells from these mice induce colitis upon activation and transfer.
- Disease phenotype is modulated by environmental factors and enteric flora.
- Multiple colitis susceptibility genes are present, with ongoing mapping efforts.
Conclusions:
- C3H/HeJBir mice provide a valuable model for studying spontaneous colitis and IBD.
- Interactions between immune, environmental, and genetic factors are crucial in IBD pathogenesis.
- Further research into susceptibility genes will elucidate IBD mechanisms.
