HUMAN IMMUNOGLOBULIN-PRODUCING GNOTOBIOTICS

摘要

The present invention pertains to a colony of genetically transformed, antigen-free mice of both sexes which are produced by rearing genetically transformed mice in an essentially antigen-free environment. After several generations, this ultimately allows for the production of antigen-free mice whose immune system is highly sensitive to weak immunogens. Prior to entering the antigen-free environment, the mice, via a germline configuration, undergo molecular modification by having their endogenous immune system functionally deleted and effectively replaced with a substantially complete human immunoglobulin locus. The resultant antigen-free, genetically modified mice are capable of synthesizing high affinity human immunoglobulins to weak immunogens.