A humanised mouse model now produces mature, class-switched, and hypermutated antibodies, offering insights into immune responses and advancing vaccine and antibody therapy research. This model may accelerate immunity understanding, supporting healthspan and longevity research.
June 2024 – Nature Immunology
Key Takeaways
- A new humanised mouse model can produce complex, mature antibodies that mimic human immune responses: This innovative model has been designed to generate antibodies that are highly similar to those found in humans. By simulating mature immune responses, including class-switching and hypermutation, it provides a more accurate tool for studying human immunity within a controlled environment, overcoming limitations of traditional animal models
- Enhanced understanding of immunity through this model may support development of targeted therapies: With the ability to study human-like immune responses, researchers can explore how specific therapies may interact with or enhance immunity. This model allows for precise testing of potential interventions, accelerating the development of treatments aimed at bolstering the immune system in ways that could slow the ageing process and extend healthspan
- The model could aid in advancing vaccines that strengthen immune resilience over time: By examining the immune response more accurately, this model holds promise for the design of more effective vaccines. Vaccines developed with insights from this model may provide longer-lasting protection, supporting immune resilience and potentially reducing age-related vulnerabilities to infections and diseases
As a robust immune system is crucial for healthy ageing, this model enables researchers to better understand immune decline and identify ways to counteract it. Ultimately, this could lead to strategies that support immunity throughout the lifespan, offering new pathways to enhance longevity and reduce age-associated diseases.
Read article at: Wang, Lingshu, et al. “A Humanized Mouse That Mounts Mature Class-Switched, Hypermutated and Neutralizing Antibody Responses.” Nature Immunology, vol. 25, no. 10, 2024, doi:10.1038/s41590-024-01880-3.