We are struggling with one big issue we are having in our experiments. We are humanizing mice with CD34+ progenitor cells, and when we implant our PDXs, after a month even before the tumor is formed, the mice die suddenly (paraplejia, heart attack...). We do not why, maybe there is some reaction to the PDX (a virus, bacteria, or we do not know). Another issue is if estradiol can triggers this reaction. If you have any experience with this, please help us!
Hi Enrique,
Do the pathologists run virus tests on the tissue before you inject them into your PDX?
We had a similar case where we took pleural effusion samples from breast cancer patients, and filtered the cells and injected them in NSG mice. Less than a month, one mouse died and the others had to be euthanised. We believe it was a reaction from the patient cells that attacked the mouse cells (host). Our pleural effusion cells were labeled with Luc and we can see signal all across the mouse and in particular the spleen. Make sure that the CD34+ progenitor cells are not attacking the host (Graft versus host disease) OR the immune cells found inside the tumor sample are also attacking your mice.
In addition, I have forwarded your question to our post doc who recently attended a humanized mouse workshop and will be able to help you better.
Hope this helps,
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
Thank you very much for your recommendations and advises. We will make sure regarding the facts that you said, although preliminary data show that PDX do not carry immune cells inside. If you have any further advise I will really appreciate that.
My best,
Enrique