The NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mice, most often known by their branded name, NOD scid gamma (NSG&trade;), do not express the Prkdc gene nor the X-linked Il2rg gene. NSG mice are viable, fertile, normal in size and do not display any gross physical or behavioral abnormalities. Histological examination of lymphoid tissues reveals absence of lymphoid cells and some cystic structures in the thymus, an absence of follicles in the spleen and markedly diminished celluarity of lymph nodes. NSG mice are deficient in mature lymphocytes, serum Ig is not detectable and natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity is extremely low. These mice are resistant to lymphoma development even after sublethal irradiation treatment. These mutant mice have been shown to readily support engraftment of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and represent a superior, long-lived model suitable for studies employing xenotransplantation strategies. NSG mice are highly sensitive to the diabetogenic effects of streptozotocin (STZ). Kinked tail, head tilt, circling, and hind limb lesions/lameness are observed at low frequency. These conditions are very infrequent (&lt;0.01% incidence) in young, experimentally na&iuml;ve mice. Incidence is estimated at &lt;0.5% in older mice used for humanization and other studies.&nbsp; Osteosarcomas occur at a low frequency in this and other NOD-congenic strains (Kavirayani and Foreman, 2010). STZ-treated NSG mice are available from <a href="https://www.jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/surgical-and-preconditioning/stz-induced-diabetes">JAX&reg; Services</a>. Please note that the NSG carries the true null interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain mutation and should not be confused with other strains that express a truncated interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain as described in: "Modulation of hematopoiesis in mice with a truncated mutant of the interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain" Ohbo K et al. Blood 1996. 87:956-67. View our <a href="https://www.jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/find-and-order-jax-mice/nsg-portfolio">Resources for the NSG&trade; mouse model</a>, including, <ul><li>NSG&trade; Mouse Model Portfolio</li><li>Housing and Breeding Considerations for NSG&trade; Mice</li><li>Frequently Asked NSG&trade; Questions</li><li>Breakthrough Research Using NSG&trade;</li><li>Immunodeficient Mouse and Xenograft Host Comparisons</li><li>Flow Cytometry Characterization Data for Immunodeficient JAX Strains</li></ul>

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These mice are most often referred to using their branded name "NSG&trade;" and are extremely immunodeficient. The mice carry two mutations on the NOD/ShiLtJ genetic background; severe combined immune deficiency (scid) and a complete null allele of the IL2 receptor common gamma chain (IL2rgnull). The scid mutation is in the DNA repair complex protein Prkdc and renders the mice B and T cell deficient. The IL2rgnull mutation prevents cytokine signaling through multiple receptors, leading to a deficiency in functional NK cells. The severe immunodeficiency allows the mice to be humanized by engraftment of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), patient derived xenografts (PDX), or adult stem cells and tissues. The immunodeficient NSG mice enable research in human immune function, infectious disease, diabetes, oncology, and stem cell biology. CD34+ humanized NSG (Stock No. 705557) and PBMC humanized NSG (Stock No. 745557) mice can be ordered on our <a href="https://www.jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/preclinical-research-services/humanized-mice/humanized-mice-form">humanized mouse order form</a>.

Please contact <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/customer-support/technical-support/contact-technical-support-form">Technical Support</a> for more information.