For the first time, 'superhumanized' mice with human-like immune systems have been created

A team of scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, successfully created the first mouse with a human-like immune system that is expected to help revolutionize the process of testing new drugs and decoding the mechanism of disease in humans.

The new 'superhumanized' mouse species called TruHuX, or THX, has 100% human-like functions and intestinal microflora. This means they respond to treatments similarly to humans.

In the study, the team of experts used human stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood injected through the left ventricle of immunocompromised mice. This implantation stabilizes after a few weeks. Next, the mice were hormonally regulated with the estrogen hormone 17b-estradiol (E2), which can promote stem cell survival and lymphocyte differentiation, and activate antibodies in response to viruses and bacteria.

Ultimately, THX with a complete human immune system and the ability to react exactly like humans become "superhumanized" mice.

"Superhumanized" mice offer the potential to revolutionize new drug testing and decipher disease mechanisms, helping to cut down on current immune and microbiology tests on primates.

New research published in the journal Nature Immunology.