The human immunoglobulin loci introduced into mice: V (D) and J gene segment usage similar to that of adult humans

Abstract

Variable gene segments of the human immunoglobulin loci are represented in the human peripheral repertoire at different frequencies. XenoMouse(TM) strains contain approximately 2 megabases of the human immunoglobulin heavy and kappa light chain loci that functionally recapitulate the human humoral immune system. Analysis of human antibody transcripts from XenoMouse spleens and lymph nodes revealed that V, D and J gene segment utilization from these unimmunized animals were nearly identical to the gene segment utilization reported for humans with extensive antigenic histories.