Transgenic animal containing CD200 and uses therefor
The present invention is directed toward a transgenic non-human animal and uses thereof, wherein each of the cells of the animal contain a transgene comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding CD200.
1. A transgenic mouse whose somatic and germ line cells contain a transgene comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding CD200 operably linked to a tetracycline inducible promoter wherein said transgenic mouse upon overexpression of said transgene exhibits inhibition of CTL induction, decreased IFNγ production and increased IL-4 production.
2. The transgenic mouse of claim 1 wherein the nucleic acid sequence is linked to a reporter gene.
3. The transgenic mouse according to claim 2 wherein the reporter gene encodes a green fluorescent protein.
4. The transgenic mouse of claim 1 wherein the nucleic acid encoding CD200 is murine.
5. A method of preparing a transgenic mouse according to claim 1 comprising the steps of
(a) providing a transgene comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding CD200 operably linked to a tetracycline inducible promoter;
(b) introducing the transgene into a mouse embryonic cell;
(c) permitting said embryonic cell to develop into a mouse; and
(d) identifying transgenic mice that express CD200.
6. A method to screen for agents that modulate CD200 expression in mice comprising of the steps of (a) administering a test agent to the transgenic mouse of claim 1 ; and (b) determining the effect of the test agent on the expression of CD200 in said transgenic mouse.
7. A method for identifying a potential therapeutic agent for prolonging survival in a tumor bearing mouse comprising:
(a) providing the transgenic mouse of claim 1 ;
(b) introducing a tumor to the mouse;
(c) administering the potential agent to the mouse; and
(d) determining the effect of the agent on the survival of the mouse.
8. A method for identifying a potential therapeutic agent for reducing tumor growth in a tumor bearing mouse comprising:
(a) providing the transgenic mouse of claim 1 ;
(b) introducing a tumor to the mouse;
(c) administering the potential agent to the mouse; and
(d) determining the effect of the agent on the growth of the mouse.
9. A method for identifying a potential therapeutic agent for prolonging transplant survival in a mouse comprising:
(a) providing the transgenic mouse of claim 1 ;
(b) introducing a transplant to the mouse;
(c) administering the potential agent to the mouse; and
(d) determining the effect of the agent on transplant survival.