In Vivo Model Development for Immunosuppression

Protheragen offers comprehensive in vivo animal model development services tailored for immunosuppression research. Leveraging a diverse portfolio of well-characterized murine and rat models, we enable the preclinical evaluation of immunosuppressive therapies, transplantation strategies, and fundamental immune system mechanisms. Our scientific team specializes in the design, execution, and analysis of customized immunosuppression studies to facilitate robust and translational research outcomes.

Immunosuppression animal models are essential for advancing our understanding of immune system modulation and for evaluating new therapeutic interventions in transplantation, autoimmune disorders, and infection. At Protheragen, we utilize both mice (Mus musculus) and rats (Rattus norvegicus), with strains including Balb/c, NMRI nu/nu (nude), and Sprague Dawley, each selected for their immunological characteristics and translational relevance to human disease. These models recapitulate key aspects of human immunosuppression, enabling reliable testing of drug efficacy, safety, and mechanistic pathways in a controlled in vivo environment.

Chemically-Induced Models

Chemically-induced immunosuppression models utilize agents such as cyclophosphamide, concanavalin A, and dinitrofluorobenzene to transiently or chronically suppress immune function in mice. The basic methodology involves administering the chemical agent via injection or topical application, leading to defined alterations in immune cell populations or immune responses. These models offer rapid induction of immunosuppression, reproducibility, and flexibility in dosing regimens. They are widely used for screening immunosuppressive drugs, studying mechanisms of immune regulation, and modeling conditions such as transplantation tolerance or hypersensitivity.

Biologically-Induced Models

Biologically-induced models employ pathogens (e.g., adenoviral infection) or immune-stimulating agents such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to modulate host immunity. Mice are exposed to the biological agent, resulting in immune activation or suppression, depending on the agent and protocol. These models closely mimic infectious or inflammatory triggers of immunosuppression seen in clinical settings, providing valuable insights into host-pathogen interactions, immune exhaustion, and the efficacy of immunomodulatory therapies.

Genetic and Bioengineered Models

Genetic and bioengineered models include transgenic mice (e.g., CD52-expressing lines), nude mice (NMRI nu/nu), and models involving bioengineered tissue implants such as tooth or organ allografts. These models are established by genetic modification or surgical implantation, resulting in targeted or systemic immunodeficiency. Their key advantages include well-defined immune deficits, stable phenotypes, and suitability for long-term studies. Applications range from xenotransplantation research and regenerative medicine to the study of specific immune pathways and the evaluation of human cell or tissue grafts.

Transplantation Models

Transplantation models involve the surgical transfer of tissues such as heart or skin allografts between genetically distinct animals, or the implantation of xenografts (e.g., human neuronal precursor cells into immunosuppressed rats). These models are critical for studying graft rejection, tolerance induction, and the effects of immunosuppressive regimens. The methodology includes precise surgical techniques and post-operative monitoring. Transplantation models are considered gold standards for preclinical evaluation of immunosuppressive agents and for mechanistic studies in transplant immunology.

Protheragen provides end-to-end in vivo immunosuppression model development, including model selection, protocol optimization, dosing, animal handling, and comprehensive data analysis. Key efficacy endpoints include lymphocyte and leukocyte counts, cytokine profiling, graft survival and histopathology, immune cell phenotyping (flow cytometry), and functional immune assays (e.g., mixed lymphocyte reaction, delayed-type hypersensitivity). Our analytical capabilities encompass molecular, cellular, and tissue-level assessments, supported by advanced imaging and quantitative techniques. Rigorous quality control is maintained through standardized protocols, validated reagents, and continuous monitoring to ensure reproducibility and scientific integrity.

By partnering with Protheragen, clients benefit from our scientific expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a collaborative approach focused on accelerating immunosuppression research. Our customizable service offering, robust quality assurance, and commitment to translational relevance make us the ideal partner for your preclinical immunology projects. Contact Protheragen today to discuss your research needs and discover how our in vivo immunosuppression models can advance your therapeutic development pipeline.