NODSCIDhiiret

NODSCIDhiiret is a genetically engineered mouse model used in biomedical research. It stands for Non-Obese Diabetic Severe Combined Immunodeficient Humanized hIgh-REtinol T-cell deficient. This mouse model is characterized by a deficiency in T-cells, a critical component of the adaptive immune system. The "hiiret" suffix is derived from the Finnish word for mouse, "hiiri," with the added "et" suggesting a plural or diminutive form, though in this context, it refers to the specific genetic modification.

The NODSCIDhiiret mouse combines several key genetic alterations. It inherits the NOD (Non-Obese Diabetic) background, which is prone to developing autoimmune diabetes, similar to Type 1 diabetes in humans. The SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) mutation impairs the development of both B and T lymphocytes, rendering the animal highly immunocompromised. The addition of the "hiiret" modification targets T-cell function further or introduces a specific humanized component relevant to T-cell research.

This model is particularly valuable for studying human immune responses, infectious diseases, and cancer immunotherapy. By engrafting human immune cells or tissues into these immunocompromised mice, researchers can create "humanized" models that mimic aspects of human immunity and disease in a controlled environment. The absence of functional endogenous T-cells allows for the observation of human T-cell behavior and efficacy of therapeutic interventions without interference from the mouse's own immune system.