Immunodeficient mouse models of lymphoid tumors

Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice lack functional T- and B-cells and readily accept human xenografts, including hematopoietic malignancies. Accordingly, SCID mice have been used to study the growth and behavior of lymphoid tumors in vivo. The SCID mouse models of disease mimic human diseases and have provided valuable information. However, this mouse strain has some residual immunity that somewhat limits posttransplantation growth of human xenografts. Recently, the SCID mutation was backcrossed onto the nonobese diabetic (NOD) strain background. The result was an animal with additional immunological defects beyond those seen in SCID mice. The NOD/SCID strain appears to be more promising as a tool for xenotransplantation of lymphoid tumors. Moreover, these SCID and NOD/SCID mouse models have been used to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Results from such studies may also help to elucidate the pathogenesis of lymphoid tumors.