C.129P2-Cxcr6tm1Litt/J transgenic mice (HHMI) (Jax No. 005700)
In these Cxcr6 knock-out/reporter mice EGFP expression is restricted to spleen and lymph nodes. They are suitable for use in applications related to studies of hepatitis and various immune responses.
Mice homozygous for this EGFP "knock-in" are viable, fertile, normal in size, and do not display any behavioral abnormalities when maintained under barrier conditions. Lymph nodes and spleen show no endogenous gene expression. Lymphocytes from heterozygotes, but not homozygotes, show endogenous ligand binding. EGFP expression is restricted to spleen and lymph nodes, specifically activated/memory T cells, with a slightly higher intensity in homozygotes. Homozygous null mice show decreased EGFP+ CD1d-reactive NKT patrolling efficiency and decreased severity of induced acute hepatitis, while heterozygotes and wildtype mice show no differences. This mutant may be useful in studies of hepatitis, HIV, SIV, fluorescent T cell tracking, and various immune responses.