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Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Operating and Biocontainment Procedures of a Facility for Laboratory Mice with a Natural Microbiome: Immunophenotyping Procedure
Published on: December 13, 2024
Generating Mice with Diverse Microbial Experience
Mark Pierson1, Anne Merley2, Sara E Hamilton1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Abstract:
Laboratory strains of mice are typically housed in specific pathogen-free facilities to minimize exposure to microbes. This method encourages uniformity in responses to experimentally induced parameters and reduces loss of animals, allowing for the survival and study of immunodeficient mice. However, the restrictions also limit physiologic relevance to humans, who are exposed to numerous microbes from birth. Recent evidence from several groups has demonstrated that exposure of laboratory mice to commensal and pathogenic microbes normally found in wild or pet store mice can dramatically impact the cellular makeup and function of the immune system. This article outlines procedures for exposing laboratory strains of mice to the diverse array of microbes typically found in pet store mice. Suggested methods for characterization of the immune system following this exposure are also described. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Cohousing laboratory strains of mice with pet store mice Support Protocol: Antibody staining of circulating immune cells and analysis by flow cytometry Basic Protocol 2: Exposure of laboratory strains of mice to fomite bedding.
Insights
Introducing diverse microbes to lab mice enhances immune system relevance. This study details methods for exposing mice to pet store microbes and analyzing immune responses, improving research applicability.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Laboratory mice are housed in specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions for experimental consistency.
- SPF housing limits microbial exposure, reducing physiological relevance to humans.
- Exposure to diverse microbes can significantly alter mouse immune system development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline procedures for exposing laboratory mice to a wide range of microbes found in pet store mice.
- To describe methods for characterizing the immune system after microbial exposure.
- To enhance the physiological relevance of mouse models in immunological research.
Main Methods:
- Basic Protocol 1: Cohousing laboratory mice with pet store mice.
- Support Protocol: Antibody staining of circulating immune cells and flow cytometry analysis.
- Basic Protocol 2: Exposing laboratory mice to fomite bedding from pet store mice.
Main Results:
- Cohousing and fomite bedding effectively introduce diverse microbial communities to laboratory mice.
- Antibody staining and flow cytometry reveal significant alterations in circulating immune cell populations and function.
- These methods allow for the characterization of immune system changes induced by microbial exposure.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to pet store-associated microbes can modulate the immune system of laboratory mice.
- The described protocols provide reproducible methods for increasing the microbial diversity in mouse models.
- This approach enhances the translational relevance of mouse studies for human health.
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