Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections. In the context of laboratory animals, SCID refers to immunodeficient rats and mice that are used as models in various scientific research fields.

One type of SCID rat is the result of natural mutations in founder rats with frame-shift mutations in both Il2rg (5-bp del) and Rag2 genes. However, these naturally occurring SCID rats may not be ideal for research purposes due to their unpredictable genetic background and limited availability.

To address this issue, researchers have used the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system to knock out specific genes in laboratory rats, creating high-quality bioresources that can be freely used by the scientific community. For example, knocking out the interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain gene (Il2rg) alone or together with the recombination activating gene 2 (Rag2) creates a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) rat model.

Compared to mice, laboratory rats have several advantages that make them ideal for SCID research. They have a larger body size, which allows for easier transplantation of various tissues and organs. This feature is particularly useful in the engraftment of exogenous tissues, where researchers can study the interactions between human cells and rat tissues.

SCID immunodeficient animals are widely used in many fields, including regenerative medicine and oncology. They provide a valuable model system for studying immune responses and testing new treatments for various diseases. In addition, they can be used to create humanized animal models that mimic human diseases, allowing researchers to study the pathophysiology of these conditions more accurately.

In summary, there are different kinds of SCID, including naturally occurring mutations in founder rats and genetically engineered SCID rats created using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and researchers can choose the most suitable model for their specific research purposes.

What are the different kinds of scid