Ragon Institute

Core Overview

Humanized immune system mice have played an essential role in medications and vaccine preclinical analysis and development for the last thirty years. These mice have also served as models for studies uncovering physiologic and pathologic mechanisms in vivo.

We work with internal and external partners to help develop vaccines, medications and study physiological and pathological processes related to the human immune system.

In certain models, we have achieved robust repopulation of mouse lymphoid tissues with human immune cells. We have generated powerful anti-HIV cellular and humoral immune responses in these humanized mice. These mouse models allow us to study questions regarding the biology of HIV-1 not readily approachable through human studies.