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Updated: Jul 7, 2025
Testing Cancer Immunotherapeutics in a Humanized Mouse Model Bearing Human Tumors
Published on: December 16, 2022
Humanized mouse models: A valuable platform for preclinical evaluation of human cancer
Yuening Yang1, Jiaqian Li1, Dan Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Animal models are routinely employed to assess the treatments for human cancer. However, due to significant differences in genetic backgrounds, traditional animal models are unable to meet bioresearch needs. To overcome this restriction, researchers have generated and optimized immunodeficient mice, and then engrafted human genes, cells, tissues, or organs in mice so that the responses in the model mice could provide a more reliable reference for treatments. As a bridge connecting clinical application and basic research, humanized mice are increasingly used in the preclinical evaluation of cancer treatments, particularly after gene interleukin 2 receptor gamma mutant mice were generated. Human cancer models established in humanized mice support exploration of the mechanism of cancer occurrence and provide an efficient platform for drug screening. However, it is undeniable that the further application of humanized mice still faces multiple challenges. This review summarizes the construction approaches for humanized mice and their existing limitations. We also report the latest applications of humanized mice in preclinical evaluation for the treatment of cancer and point out directions for future optimization of these models.
Insights
Humanized mice, engineered with human components, offer improved preclinical cancer models. This review covers their construction, limitations, and applications in cancer research and drug screening.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Traditional animal models for cancer research have limitations due to genetic differences from humans.
- Immunodeficient mice engrafted with human genes, cells, tissues, or organs (humanized mice) address these limitations.
- The development of interleukin 2 receptor gamma mutant mice has advanced humanized mouse models for cancer studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the construction methods for humanized mice.
- To discuss the current limitations in the application of humanized mice.
- To highlight recent applications in preclinical cancer treatment evaluation and suggest future optimization strategies.
Main Methods:
- Summarizing construction approaches for humanized mouse models.
- Analyzing existing limitations of these models.
- Reporting on the latest applications in preclinical cancer research.
Main Results:
- Humanized mice provide a more reliable preclinical model for assessing cancer treatments.
- These models facilitate the study of cancer mechanisms and serve as platforms for drug screening.
- Despite advancements, challenges remain in the further application and optimization of humanized mice.
Conclusions:
- Humanized mice are valuable tools bridging basic research and clinical applications in oncology.
- Further optimization is needed to overcome existing challenges and enhance their utility in cancer drug development.
- Continued research into humanized mouse models will advance cancer treatment strategies.
