NOD/Shi-scid IL2rgamma(null) (NOG) Mice More Appropriate for Humanized Mouse Models

"Humanized mice," in which various kinds of human cells and tissues can be engrafted and retain the same functions as in humans, are extremely useful because human diseases can be studied directly. Using the newly combined immunodeficient NOD-scid IL2rgamma(null) mice and Rag2(null) IL2rgamma(null) humanized mice, it has became possible to expand applications because various hematopoietic cells can be differentiated by human hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the human immune system can be reconstituted to some degree. This work has attracted attention worldwide, but the development and use of immunodeficient mice in Japan are not very well known or understood. This review describes the history and characteristics of the NOD/Shi-scid IL2rgamma(null) (NOG) and BALB/cA-Rag2(null) IL2rgamma(null) mice that were established in Japan, including our unpublished data from researchers who are currently using these mice. In addition, we also describe the potential development of new immunodeficient mice that can be used as humanized mice in the future.