Fig. 2: Methods of generating mouse models for translational research.
From: From germ-free to wild: modulating microbiome complexity to understand mucosal immunology
A Co-housing SPF lab mice with wild/pet store mice to create ‘dirty’ mice. B Microbial/fomite transfer of feces/bedding from wild/pet store mice into cages containing SPF lab mice. C Oral gavage of ileocecal material from wild mice to laboratory mice (pregnant status not required during microbiota transfer). D Generating ‘wildling’ mice, i.e., laboratory mouse strains born to wild surrogates, resulting in vertical wild microbiota transfer to laboratory strains. E Sequential infection with common pathogens such as viruses and helminths to create lab strains with primed immune systems. F Human microbiota associated (HMA) mouse models created via human microbiota transfer into germ-free mice. G Re-wilding laboratory mouse strains via outdoor housing.
