Research Insight: Application of In Vivo Animal Imaging System in the Construction of Immunodeficiency (SCID) Monkey Model

New progress has been made in the study of severe combined immunodeficiency. Sen Yan and Zhuchi Tu’s research team from the Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, generated an immunodeficient monkey model with the ability to boost tumor growth utilizing the CBE4max system. The research result was published in Signal Transmission and Targeted Therapy (IF=39.3, Q1).

Biolight Biotechnology’s in vivo imaging system was used in observing the tumor status in the immunodeficiency (SCID) monkey model.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) includes a group of genetic diseases that can lead to severe deterioration of the immune system. Among the key genes associated with SCID, IL2RG and RAG1 play key roles. IL2RG is crucial for the development, differentiation, and function of T, B, and NK cells, while RAG1 plays an important role in adaptive immunity by promoting V(D)J recombination during lymphocyte maturation. Animal models carrying these gene mutations exhibit significant defects in their immune systems. Non-human primates (NHPs) are the most suitable models for biomedical research due to their genetic and physiological similarities with humans. Cytosine-base editors (CBEs) are powerful tools for accurately and effectively modifying single base mutations in the genome and have been successfully implemented in human cells, mice, and crop species.

This study outlines the establishment of an immunodeficiency monkey model by inactivating the IL2RG and RAG1 genes using the CBE4max system. Through gene editing, the monkey model presented severe immune impairment, characterized by decreased lymphocytes, atrophy of lymphatic organs, and a lack of mature T cells. In addition, these base mutation monkeys can carry and support the growth of human breast cancer cells. In summary, this study successfully developed an immunodeficiency monkey model with the ability to promote tumor growth using the CBE4max system, which can serve as a valuable tool for advancing biomedical and translational research.

Schematic diagram of the process of generating base-editing monkeys

To evaluate the feasibility of using base-editing monkeys as an in vivo model for the study of human oncology, the authors introduced human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231-CMV-EGFP-Luc-Puro) into mutant and wild monkeys. Subcutaneous vaccination 1×107 cells were transferred to the armpit of the monkey, and used Biolight Biotechnology‘s AniView series multi-modal in vivo animal imaging system to observe the tumor growth in the monkey model and the image clearly shows the signal of tumor cell growth.

a Schematic diagram illustrating the growth of human breast cancer cells in base-edited monkeys. 

b Fluorescence microscopy image displaying the GFP signal emitted by human breast cancer cells. 

c In vivo imaging of animals to observe the status of tumor. 

d Examination of tumor tissues in base-edited monkeys. 

Biolight Biotechnology’s in vivo imaging system (IVIS)

We focus on the R&D and manufacture of high-efficiency optical imaging technologies, we can provide comprehensive solutions for life science imaging. Our product pipeline can fulfill life science imaging research need, from the molecular level, and cellular level to in vivo level.

• 2D in vivo animal imaging system

• NIR-Ⅱ In Vivo Imaging System

• Full Spectrum Animal In Vivo Imaging System

• 3D in vivo animal imaging system

AniView multi-model in vivo animal imaging system featuring ultra-high sensitivity (scientific-grade CCD cameras), lower fluorescence background, user-friendly software operation, intelligent scheme design, and more optional modules, making it an excellent partner for scientific research.

Reference：

Zheng, X., Huang, C., Lin, Y. et al. Generation of inactivated IL2RG and RAG1 monkeys with severe combined immunodeficiency using base editing. Sig Transduct Target Ther 8, 327 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01544-y