Nudehiiret

Nudehiiret, also known as hairless mice or athymic mice, are a strain of mice that lack a developed thymus. This genetic mutation results in a severely compromised immune system, making them immunodeficient. The most common type of nude mouse is the athymic nude mouse, which is homozygous for the *nu* gene.

Due to their lack of T-cells, nude mice are unable to reject foreign tissues. This characteristic makes them invaluable research models in various scientific fields. They are widely used in immunology for studying the development and function of the immune system, as well as in cancer research where they serve as hosts for human tumor xenografts. This allows scientists to test potential cancer therapies in a living system before human trials.

Nude mice are also utilized in research involving transplantation, infectious diseases, and the study of autoimmune disorders. Their specific immunodeficiency requires careful handling and specialized housing to prevent infection from opportunistic pathogens. Despite their unique physiological state, nude mice have significantly advanced our understanding of biology and medicine.