Transgenic Line of Mice Congenitally Devoid of Eosinophils

Reference #:

2003-196

Inventors/Contributors

James J. Lee, Ph.D., Nancy A. Lee, Ph.D.

Description

Transgenic mice were created through DNA microinjection of a construct utilizing mouse EPO derived regulatory sequences in conjunction with the Diptheria Toxin A chain (DT-A) open reading frame and a series of exons/introns derived from the human growth hormone gene to provide the necessary splicing events required for high-level expression. Assessments of circulating leukocytes and other hematopoietic parameters demonstrated that these transgenic mice ("PHIL") are devoid of eosinophils without any effects on other cell types, including the presence of circulation basophils. This eosinophil deficiency is life-long and is a Mendelian inheritable trait of the line (four successive generations of mice examined to date). These mice are a model for studying pathologies and treatments relating to tissues and organ systems that typically contain eosinophils.

Patent Status

Pending