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Updated: May 26, 2026
Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
A mouse model of CMV transmission following kidney transplantation
1Comprehensive Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Reactivation of latent CMV in transplant recipients remains a significant infectious complication of transplantation. Investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which reactivation occurs has been hampered by the lack of appropriate animal models. Here, we show that transplantation of kidneys latently infected with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) into NOD.Cg-Prkdc(scid) IL2rg(tm1Wjl) /Szj mice results in reactivation of latent virus in the kidney, resulting in a disseminated primary infection of the recipient. This model will be useful in elucidating mechanisms of MCMV reactivation, including the roles of injury and of spontaneous reactivation, and in testing new therapies for treatment and prevention of CMV reactivation and disease.
Insights
Transplant recipients can experience cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. A new mouse model using latently infected kidneys enables studying CMV reactivation mechanisms and testing therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a major complication in transplant recipients.
- Understanding CMV reactivation mechanisms is limited by the absence of suitable animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a novel animal model for studying CMV reactivation in the context of transplantation.
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying CMV reactivation and dissemination post-transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Transplantation of latently murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-infected kidneys into immunodeficient mice (NOD.Cg-Prkdc(scid) IL2rg(tm1Wjl)/Szj).
- Monitoring for viral reactivation and dissemination in the recipient.
Main Results:
- Successful induction of MCMV reactivation from latently infected transplanted kidneys.
- Demonstration of disseminated primary MCMV infection in the recipient mice.
- Validation of the model for studying CMV reactivation and disease.
Conclusions:
- The developed mouse model effectively recapitulates CMV reactivation and dissemination after kidney transplantation.
- This model provides a platform for elucidating CMV reactivation mechanisms, including roles of injury and spontaneous reactivation.
- The model is suitable for preclinical testing of novel anti-CMV therapies.
