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Japanese Scientists Create Biologic Immune Systems Close to Humans

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 March 2006, 12:01 CST

Japanese scientists create biologic immune systems close to humans'

TOKYO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Japanese scientists have succeeded in producing mice with immune systems close to those of humans, a development expected to contribute to research in medical treatment for a variety of diseases, local newspapers reported Tuesday.

In the experiments, the scientists first created genetically modified mice whose original immune systems as mice did not function, and then implanted human hematopoietic stem cells into the mice's veins within 48 hours after they were born. The hematopoietic stem cells settled in the bone marrow, and the main cells of the immune system developed into those similar to humans', the Japan Times said.

The research team at Kyushu University's medical department said on Monday the discovery will enable researchers to conduct experiments in an environment of "living test tube" similar to the human body.

Professor Mine Harada, who heads the team, said he and his colleagues have succeeded in making the mice's immune systems more than 70 percent like humans' and they want to further enhance the figure, as well as the longevity of the mice, for more complex research.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS

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