Laboratory mice born to wild mice have natural microbiota and model human immune responses

Laboratory mouse studies are paramount for understanding basic biological phenomena but also have limitations. These include conflicting results caused by divergent microbiota and limited translational research value. To address both shortcomings, we transferred C57BL/6 embryos into wild mice, creating "wildlings." These mice have a natural microbiota and pathogens at all body sites and the tractable genetics of C57BL/6 mice. The bacterial microbiome, mycobiome, and virome of wildlings affect the immune landscape of multiple organs. Their gut microbiota outcompete laboratory microbiota and demonstrate resilience to environmental challenges. Wildlings, but not conventional laboratory mice, phenocopied human…

• KR
  Kenneth Rainin Foundation
• CA
  Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Award: HI 2088/1-1
• FA
  Fondation ARC pour la Recherche sur le Cancer
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: DK113136, AI137157-01
• NC
  National Cancer Institute
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• NI
  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• NI
  National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases